This data was obtained from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which has compiled and released NYPD stop-and-frisk records through public information requests. The NYCLU makes this data accessible to help the public understand how stop-and-frisk is practiced across New York City. You can find more information and download the dataset here.

The full dataset spans from 2003 to 2023, covering two decades of stop-and-frisk activity in New York City. This website focuses on the most recent data available, 2023, to explore how these practices persist today and to provide a current snapshot of racial disparities in police encounters.

The dataset contains detailed information for each individual stop recorded by the NYPD. This includes:

• Date, time, and location of the stop
• Officer details: rank, command, uniform status, and ID visibility
• Initiation method: how and why the stop was initiated
• Suspect demographics: race, gender, age, height, weight, etc.
• Actions taken: whether the person was frisked, searched, arrested, or issued a summons
• Use of force: handcuffing, drawing weapons, restraints, etc.
• Whether weapons or contraband were found
• Legal justifications for searches or arrests
• Observed behaviors that led to the stop (e.g., matching a lookout, proximity to crime scene)

This level of detail allows for in-depth analysis of police behavior, transparency, and racial patterns.

The data comes directly from NYPD officers' self-reported accounts and is subject to human error, omission, and bias. Many fields are incomplete or inconsistently filled out, and some stops may not be documented at all. Categories like race or reason for stop rely on officers’ subjective judgment and may not reflect reality. These limitations must be kept in mind when drawing conclusions from the data.

This project aims to shed light on racial disparities in stop-and-frisk encounters using data visualization and statistical analysis. By focusing on the 2023 dataset, it highlights how Black and Brown communities are still disproportionately targeted. The goal is not only to inform the public but also to prompt dialogue about accountability, fairness, and the need for reform in policing practices.

To see a timeline of the dataset's history, click here.