Study: Racial Disparities in Vermont Traffic Stops

The report also says black drivers are twice as likely to be arrested after a stop than white drivers

A study of statewide police traffic stops in Vermont - the second whitest state in the country - shows racial disparities in how police treat drivers. 

The University of Vermont study, released Monday, says black and Hispanic drivers are three to four times more likely to be searched after a traffic stop than white drivers, while white and Asian drivers searched are more likely to be caught with serious contraband. 

The report also says black drivers are twice as likely to be arrested after a stop than white drivers. 

The study looked at 2015 data from 29 departments across Vermont following a 2014 state law that required police to the collect such information. 

Among the report's recommendations are better collection of data and more police training to counter bias.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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