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Police Frisks

Author

Listed:
  • David S. Abrams
  • Hanming Fang
  • Priyanka Goonetilleke

Abstract

The standard economic model of police frisks implies that the contraband hit rate should rise when the number of frisks falls, ceteris paribus. We provide the first empirical corroboration of such models of police behavior by examining changes in frisks following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. We find that hit rates from pedestrian frisks rose as police frisks fell dramatically. Using detailed data, we rule out several alternative explanations, including changes in street population, crime, and police allocation. Our findings provide quantitative estimates that can contribute to the important goals of improving and reforming policing.

Suggested Citation

  • David S. Abrams & Hanming Fang & Priyanka Goonetilleke, 2022. "Police Frisks," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 112, pages 178-183, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:112:y:2022:p:178-83
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20221100
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H76 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Other Expenditure Categories
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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