Traffic Stop Statistical Study complete for state police

[July 28, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Police agency does not promote, condone or tolerate bias-based policing. To ensure this, the agency's policies, training and ongoing education provide a consistent message. "Bias-based policing is unacceptable and will not be practiced or tolerated by the ISP," said Larry Trent, state police director.

The Illinois State Police continues to communicate systematically from cadets through supervisors and command the "no tolerance" stance to bias-based policing. The agency continues to review its approach to the use of consent searches as they relate to the perception of bias-based policing.

The annual report released by Northwestern University on the Illinois Traffic Stop Statistical Study found the following:

• There has been steady progress in the development and implementation of data protocols. The state police agency continues to provide complete, accurate and timely data for the Traffic Stop Statistical Study.

• The ratio of minority drivers stopped to the minority driving population has improved this year on a statewide basis. State police stopped minorities at a lower rate than the statewide average.

• The number of consent searches in Illinois continues to decline. The Illinois State Police has reduced its ratio of consent search requests of minority drivers from 1.36 in 2005 to 0.49 in 2007.

• The ratio of minority drivers asked for a consent search statewide is 1.89, whereas the figure for Illinois State Police is 0.49.

• The Traffic Stop Statistical Study is in place until 2010. It is important for the study to be completed prior to considering such a drastic step as banning what the Supreme Court has ruled to be a very effective tool.

[Text from file received from the Illinois State Police]

Related information

• Analysis by Northwestern University Center for Public Safety