The use of racial profiling in law enforcement has been an ongoing issue that has plagued American society. Studies have shown that profiling leads to conflict between the public and law enforcement with the public perceiving police officers as racist, intentionally targeting racial minorities, and thereby creating distrust and raising questions of police legitimacy within these communities. In addition, racial minorities, particularly Blacks and Hispanics, do not trust law enforcement. The ongoing controversy of racial profiling has only reinforced the consensus among racial minority groups in society that their mistrust of law enforcement and questioning of police legitimacy is warranted. . Through the use of a robust meta-analytic technique this study analyzed a total of 38 articles and reports focusing on traffic stops and post-stop outcomes, specifically search. After running the analysis the findings indicate that when it comes to the use of search post traffic stop, Black drivers are searched at greater rates compared to White motorists. However, there is no difference in searches for Hispanics indicating that race but not ethnicity are significant in the effect that a search will occur post traffic stop. Limitations and Policy Implications are stated.
