WSU Study Examines State Patrol Traffic Stops

OLYMPIA, Wash.-- A new Washington State University study of Washington State Patrol traffic stop and enforcement data over four years finds no evidence of systemic bias in troopers' decisions to stop vehicles. However, the study released Tuesday also shows that Black, Hispanic, and Native American drivers were searched at higher rates than White drivers.

Overall, the study shows that the likelihood of motorists being searched was low for all racial groups. While the study found no evidence of systemic or explicit bias, researchers say more evaluation is needed to eliminate disparities. The full report is scheduled to be released later this month.