Police Stops and Subsequent Delinquency and Arrest: Race and Gender Differences

Abstract

Research suggests police stops are associated with delinquency and arrest in adolescence, but limited research has examined the extent to which these associations vary by intersectional identities. The labeling and life-course perspectives argue police stops may increase later delinquency/arrest and that these relationships may vary according to when an individual is first stopped. Critical race feminist perspectives suggest Black girls may be especially likely to experience negative consequences following a police stop. The goal of the current study was to examine the relationships between police stops in childhood and adolescence and delinquency and arrest in adolescence, as well as identify how these relationships vary by gender and race. Results suggest the relationships between police stops and subsequent delinquency and arrest differ across gender and race. Further, Black girls experience the greatest increase in probability of arrest following a stop in adolescence. Findings have important implications for research, policy, and practice.