Equal Protection by Race with Stop and Frisk: a Risk-Adjusted Disparity (RAD) Index for Balanced Policing

Abstract Research Question Can racial equity in crime and policing be measured with the use of a Risk-Adjusted Disparity (RAD) Index degree to which across categories is “balanced” its ratios preventive police actions per 100 serious crimes committed against members each category? Data Office National Statistics (ONS) reports on England Wales, Dorset Police data violent victimization stop-search by race suspect 452 Lower-Layer Super-Output Levels Dorset. Methods We conceptualize problem equal protection under law as fundamentally protecting lives liberties citizen from criminal harms, well disproportionately intrusive policing. combine these dimensions into single metric that defines proportionality relation risk victimization, such whatever intrusion liberty applied for aim can equalized groups. Findings The measure reliably equality intrusions groups based rates illustrated adjusting homicide. In past decade, population-based disparity rate shows Blacks are stopped nine times more often than whites. When adjusted differential homicide two groups, estimate drops 800% 58%. Other changes major magnitude result using RAD Index. Conclusions conclude an index proactive victimizations likely lead residential actions, commonly used official reporting. A victim-based, measuring might focus efforts 5% local areas where violence concentrated, deflect stops away vast majority have little crime.