A Department of Justice investigation into the Tampa Police Department's stops and citations to black bicycle riders found there was no evidence to suggest that the racial disparities were based on discriminatory practices by the department.

Former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor requested the analysis in May 2015 in response to allegations of racial disparities in stops and ticketing of bicycle riders.

"I commend former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor for requesting this analysis. It takes courageous leadership to open yourself and your department to intense scrutiny," said Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Director Ronald Davis. "I’d also like to thank Chief Eric Ward and the men and women of the Tampa Police Department for their full cooperation and commitment to this process.

"As a result of their efforts, this assessment and process will serve as an example of the benefits of data collection and analysis, and serve as a national model."
 
The key findings of the federal report indicate:

  • The data revealed that there were racial disparities in stops and ticketing of bicycle riders by the TPD. In fact, 73 percent of riders stopped between January 1, 2014 and August 30, 2015 were black and 26 percent were white, while the estimated population of bicycle riders during the assessment period was 40 percent black and 49 percent white.

  • The TPD’s justification for the implementation of this bicycle stop program was not validated by the data. The stops did not reduce crime or result in any measurable impact on public safety in Tampa, nor did the stops result in significant recoveries of stolen bicycles. The bicycle stop program did, however, negatively impact community and police relations.

  • While there were racial disparities in the data uncovered during the assessment, there was no evidence to suggest that the racial disparities were based on discriminatory practices or racial animus by the TPD.

  • READ THE REPORT: An Examination of Racial Disparities in Bicycle Stops and Citations Made by the Tampa Police Department

At the request of Chief Ward, the Department of Justice will continue to provide training and technical assistance to help the agency build its capacity to collect and analyze data to better inform their future activities.

“One of the things I said from the onset was that we would address these issues,” Ward said.  “And (with) the recommendations that came out, we will act on them immediately.”