How many police interactions per year?

How Many Police Interactions Per Year?

The relationship between citizens and law enforcement agencies is a crucial aspect of modern society. Police interactions, whether routine or emergency in nature, are a daily occurrence for many individuals. But have you ever stopped to think about just how many police interactions occur every year? In this article, we’ll delve into the numbers and explore the types of interactions that take place between the public and police forces.

Direct Answer: How Many Police Interactions Per Year?

According to the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), in 2018, the most recent year for which data is available, there were approximately 58.6 million reported contacts between the public and law enforcement agencies in the United States. This translates to an average of about 163,000 contacts per day.

Here’s a breakdown of the types of police interactions, based on the BJS data:

• Motor vehicle stops: 43.4 million (74% of all contacts)
• Arrests: 10.4 million (18% of all contacts)
• Investigations: 4.2 million (7% of all contacts)
• Citizen-initiated contacts: 1.6 million (3% of all contacts)
• Other contacts: 1.1 million (2% of all contacts)

What Types of Interactions Are Most Common?

Motor vehicle stops account for the majority of police interactions, with approximately 43.4 million stops reported in 2018. This includes stops for routine traffic violations, such as speeding or failure to stop at a stop sign, as well as more serious offenses, like DUI or reckless driving.

Arrests are the Second Most Common Type of Interaction

Arrests are the second most common type of police interaction, with approximately 10.4 million reported in 2018. This includes arrests for a wide range of crimes, from minor offenses like disorderly conduct to serious felonies like murder or robbery.

Investigations and Citizen-Initiated Contacts Make Up a Smaller Proportion of Interactions

Investigations and citizen-initiated contacts make up a smaller proportion of police interactions. Investigations, which include searches, surveillance, and other investigative activities, accounted for 4.2 million contacts in 2018. Citizen-initiated contacts, which include complaints, reports, and requests for assistance, accounted for 1.6 million contacts.

Demographics of Police Interactions

The demographics of police interactions are an important factor to consider. Research has shown that certain demographics, such as race, age, and socioeconomic status, can influence the likelihood of police interaction.

• Racial and ethnic disparities: Studies have consistently shown that minority groups are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested by law enforcement. In 2018, Blacks were more than 2.5 times as likely as Whites to be arrested, and Latinos were more than 1.5 times as likely as Whites to be arrested.
• Age: Youth are more likely to be involved in police interactions than adults. In 2018, 44% of all contacts were with individuals under the age of 25.
• Socioeconomic status: Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to be involved in police interactions. In 2018, 43% of all contacts were with individuals who lived in households with incomes below $25,000 per year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, police interactions are a common occurrence in the United States, with approximately 58.6 million reported contacts in 2018. Motor vehicle stops and arrests are the most common types of interactions, while investigations and citizen-initiated contacts make up a smaller proportion of interactions. Demographic factors, such as race, age, and socioeconomic status, can influence the likelihood of police interaction.

Table: Police Interactions by Type (2018)

Table: Demographics of Police Interactions (2018)

By understanding the types and demographics of police interactions, we can work to build trust and improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.