The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) shared data this month on officer-initiated traffic and pedestrian stops made by all public safety agencies across the state, including the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
As part of House Bill 2355, the Statistical Transparency of Policing Program, commonly referred to as STOP, requires all public safety agencies in the state to submit this data on an annual basis. The CJC examines the data for evidence of racial and ethnic disparities. Passed by the state legislature in 2017, STOP adds transparency and accountability to public safety work.
The STOP program uses several tools to identify racial disparities in police stops. This year, CJC analysts estimated disparities between white drivers and Black, Latinx, Asian/PI, Native American, and Middle Eastern drivers, respectively, when sample size was sufficient. The state’s analysis found that no statistically significant disparity was identified in traffic or pedestrian stops made by MCSO sheriff’s deputies, and found that white and minority populations received equitable treatment in many categories, such as stops, searches and citations.
“This is the second consecutive year in which the data showed no statistical disparities in traffic and pedestrian stops performed by our sheriff’s deputies,” said Sheriff Mike Reese. “It is a testament to our deputies and a reflection of the values of our agency. While we are pleased with the results, we know equity work is ongoing. We are committed to continuous improvement and creating safe and thriving communities for everyone.”
Data shows, from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, MCSO deputies performed 6,599 stops, (traffic and pedestrian combined), contributing to less than 2-percent of all stops statewide during the period. The majority of stops, 97-percent, were vehicular, while 3-percent involved a pedestrian.
To view the full report, click here.
