The Connecticut Model

Ensuring Safety and Advancing Equity in Traffic Enforcement

The Connecticut Model is a nationally recognized approach to identifying and addressing racial disparities in traffic enforcement through comprehensive data collection, analysis, and stakeholder collaboration.

With a focus on building trust between community members and police, this model has influenced reforms in other states, including California, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

By leveraging federal funding from the Section 1906 Racial Profiling Prohibition Grants, Connecticut has established a data-driven system that improves transparency, enhances public trust, and promotes fair policing practices while maintaining public safety.

Key Components of the Connecticut Model

1) Comprehensive Data Collection System

  • Electronic system for reporting traffic stops across 100+ law enforcement agencies
  • 26 data points collected per stop, totaling over 3.5 million stops and 91 million data points
  • Monthly data submissions for real-time analysis

2) Multi-Layered Data Analysis

  • Connecticut applies multiple statistical tests to assess racial and ethnic disparities, unlike other states that rely on a single test
  • Focus on patterns in stop frequency, search rates, and contraband discovery
  • Analysis includes jurisdiction-specific factors like crime rates, traffic patterns, and enforcement priorities

3) Police & Researcher Engagement

  • Law enforcement agencies meet and collaborate with researchers to identify and discuss the complex causes and potential solutions for any disparities in the data
  • The follow-up steps enhance trust in both the data and the process
  • Municipal governments receive customized recommendations to reduce disparities

4) Share and Monitor Success Policy Reforms

  • Community members and advocacy groups participate in public forums to discuss findings and reforms
  • Revisions are monitored and successful reforms are reviewed for replication.
  • Example: A department reduced stops for equipment violations, leading to lower disparities, increased contraband discovery rates, and reduced crime & accidents (learn more about these examples – links to full page or other information)

Speaker Testimonials

"The data doesn’t just highlight disparities—it helps us refine our policies to ensure fair and effective policing. Our department reduced unnecessary stops, and community trust has improved as a result."

- Chief John Spellman, Connecticut Police Department

"For years, we knew racial disparities existed, but now we have the data to prove it—and the tools to change it. The Connecticut Model is a blueprint for real reform."

- Maria Lopez, Community Advocate

"By using multiple layers of statistical analysis, Connecticut is leading the nation in evidence-based traffic enforcement reform. Other states are taking notice, and that’s a win for justice."

- Dr. William Porter, Criminal Justice Researcher

CT Racial Profiling Prohibition Project

IMRP@uconn.edu

UConn Hartford
Hartford Times Building, Suite 443
10 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06103

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