Female officers search less often but when they do, their finds are just as effective

This study investigates how officer gender affects police-initiated interactions during traffic stops. Building on interdisciplinary literature, we develop competing theoretical expectations about these differences. Analyzing over four million traffic stop records from the Florida State Highway Patrol and Charlotte (North Carolina) Police Department provides clear evidence of distinct patterns by officer sex. Data & Methods

Using large-scale quantitative data from two major police departments allows for robust pattern analysis.

Key Findings

Female officers conduct fewer searches than male counterparts, yet their search outcomes are highly effective:

• Female officers have lower rates of initiating searches (e.g., 5% vs 10% of traffic stops).

• When female officers do perform searches, they identify contraband at a rate similar to or greater than male officers.

• Importantly, the actual amount of confiscated contraband is statistically equivalent between genders when search outcomes occur.

Why It Matters

These findings demonstrate that gender diversity among police officers can reduce unnecessary contacts while maintaining effectiveness in detecting illicit items. This suggests alternative approaches to improving policing practices without necessarily increasing search frequency.