Traffic stops and non-compliance in the time of COVID-19: a survey analysis of law enforcement perspectives

Traffic stops play a critical role in enforcing traffic laws and enhancing public safety on the roads. However, despite the critical role of traffic stops in promoting public safety, there are instances where motorists refuse to comply with law enforcement officers. To gain insights into the perception of driver non-compliance during traffic stops, specifically in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study presents a survey analysis of law enforcement perspectives on traffic stops and non-compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis and modeling techniques were employed to identify factors associated with the perception of driver non-compliance as reported by patrol officers. The analysis results revealed that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a perceived decrease in driver cooperation during traffic stops by nearly half of the surveyed officers. The modeling results highlight significant associations between these factors and the perception of driver non-compliance. Female officers and those from smaller departments were more likely to perceive a worsening of driver non-compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Enforcement behaviors, such as being less likely to stop a driver when observing a violation, were significantly associated with officers’ perception of worsening driver non-compliance, suggesting a possible reciprocal relationship between perceived compliance and enforcement behavior. Equipment violations, distracted driving, and suspicion of criminal activity/intent were identified as factors linked to an increased probability of perceiving worsening driver non-compliance. These findings offer valuable insights into the factors associated with driver non-compliance during traffic stops, particularly in the context of the pandemic, and can guide the development of strategies to enhance compliance and officer safety.