CSDE External Affiliate David Swanson (Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UC Riverside) authored a piece in NW Citizen analyzing racial disparities in Washington State Patrol (WSP) traffic stops from 2022–2024, using odds ratios applied to WSP Traffic Stop Demographic Report data. Black drivers faced roughly twice the odds of being stopped compared to White drivers in total traffic contacts across all three years, with considerably higher odds for criminal felony contacts and low-discretion searches. The pattern was consistent regardless of whether WSP or Office of Financial Management population data were used. Swanson argues the findings support legislative action to discourage pretext traffic stops as a means of reducing racial profiling.