Abstract
The findings of this study outline the racial differences in stop and frisk decisions by Illinois officers in consent searches and those based upon reasonable suspicion within the context of the elements of focal concerns theory. The analysis for this study was performed using propensity score matching (PSM) and allowed the researchers to create a quasi-experimental design to examine the race of the citizen and police decision making. According to our analysis of official Illinois law enforcement data, Black citizens, particularly males, were less likely to give their consent to a stop and frisk search. Black male citizens were also more likely to be stopped and searched due to an assessment of reasonable suspicion by the officer. Elements of focal concerns theory were also factors in pedestrian stops under conditions of consent and reasonable suspicion. Citizens judged as blameworthy were more likely to be stopped and frisked under conditions of consent and reasonable suspicion. The effect of a verbal threat and the officer’s prior knowledge about the citizen had even more significant impacts.
Highlights
Research Question 5: What is the relationship between the three components of focal concerns theory and a stop and frisk occurring based on citizen consent or if the officer conducts a stop and frisk because of reasonable suspicion?
This analysis was performed to answer the first research question, “What effect does a citizen’s race have on whether the citizen will provide the officer consent to conduct a stop and frisk?” The findings show that Black citizens are 40 percent less likely to consent to a stop and frisk
The second research question asked, “What effect does being a male citizen and the citizen’s race have on the chances that a male citizen will provide the officer consent to conduct a stop and frisk?” The current findings show that Black male citizens are 39 percent less likely to have a stop and frisk occur because Black male citizens do not give officers the consent to search
Summary
Ohio (1968) decision instructed how police could lawfully make traffic and pedestrian stops. Probable cause that a person was engaging in crime was supplemented by “reasonable suspicion” in an attempt to protect the public and the officers from weapons and danger as a justification for a stop. We examine the outcome of stop and frisk pedestrian stops in Illinois. The research compares outcomes in light of the pedestrian’s race, and whether the search was conducted via consent or reasonable suspicion. Focal concerns theory was applied to consider the factors influencing the police decision to stop and frisk
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
