Open Data Policing - Understanding Bias

Tonight my family went to Code for Durham to hear about the Open Data Policing project. Colin Copeland of the Caktus Group gave an overview of the technology. Ian Mance of the Southern Coalition talked about the origin of the project and how the data is being used to reform policy, assist legal defense, assist in civil rights suits and help the police force do better policing.

A few resources:

• https://opendatapolicingnc.com/
• http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/us/racial-disparity-traffic-stops-driving-black.html?_r=0
• http://nc-traffic-stops.readthedocs.org/en/latest/
• http://www.southerncoalition.org/ian-mance-presents-at-code-for-america-summit/

The project is amazing and the potential is even greater. I especially appreciated the recognition that data is only one piece in any discussion. I also appreciate that having data does little. It is in making the data accessible to decision makers and correlating data that insights can be found. We are fortunate that NC has had the Data Collectino Laws since 1999. We are also fortunate to have groups like Southern Coalition and Code for America to bring the data into the light
NC Data Collection Law - 1st state and 1 of only 6 to mandate collection of traffic stops. Collection since 1999. The motivation was based on a belief that a drug enforcement task-force stopped blacks 50% more (or twice) then whites.

Lastly, cheers to cities like Fayetteville and Greensboro that are making strides to be equitable.

Thanks,
Ginny

It is tough to add a video to this blog as my selections are whimsical, not profound. I don't want anyone to read into them. So in the spirit of "Big Data" .... The Police