PA Legislative Black Caucus will examine state traffic stop data
Announcement follows release of 2023 report
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus August 14, 2024 | 4:51 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus said they are examining the Pennsylvania State Police’s report on traffic stops in 2023, the latest data in an effort that the PSP is undertaking to improve safety, training, public trust and more.
The report, which was released today, was co-issued by Dr. Robin S. Engel, a professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati, and details information collected at 449,047 traffic stops in 2023. The report can be found here.
“The members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus are analyzing this report, and I can say that we have already set up continued conversations with PSP and local police officials about issues of race and law enforcement,” said PLBC Chair Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery. “Transparency and accountability require thorough and accurate information. This data is an important look at policing on the ground and should be helpful in learning more about factors that affect a traffic stop.
“We also look forward to future years, when the majority of our local departments will be reporting their data along with the state in a similar fashion. We thank the State Police and the Shapiro administration for a model on how to keep comprehensive reporting. Transparency and collaboration are central to achieving public safety.”