RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A review of data on traffic stops in North Carolina finds law enforcement officers are twice as likely to conduct searches of vehicles driven by minorities than whites.
Researchers for North Carolina Advocates for Justice reviewed state data on more than 13 million traffic stops conducted between 2000 and 2011. In addition to the higher risk of roadside searches, the data showed blacks and Hispanics are almost twice as likely as whites to be arrested following a traffic stop.
The trial lawyers' group behind the study has asked for the creation of a broad-based commission to study the issue.
A spokeswoman for Attorney General Roy Cooper said he agrees more study is needed and that any recommendations should include input from law enforcement officers, legislators, prosecutors and judges.
