An independent review found “negligible evidence of racial bias” by Ames and Iowa State University police officers when initiating traffic stops.

The departments requested the review as a proactive step to evaluate whether or not racial disparities existed in traffic stops and the outcomes.

Conducted by Chris Barnum with CR Research Group LC, the review examined the number of traffic stops by area, time of day and the outcomes – citations, warnings and arrests – to assess disproportionality of drivers based on their race.

According to the report, there is little evidence that officers stopped a greater proportion of people of color compared to white drivers. The disproportionality index for both departments was almost always lower than .05, which is described in the reports as a low confidence indicator of disproportionality.

Ames Police Chief Geoff Hoff says the review allows the departments to evaluate performance over time and is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with the community. Both departments continue to provide bias-based police training for officers, share reports on police activity and pursue opportunities to engage the community in conversations about race.