Cincinnati officials are reviewing a new analysis that alleges significant racial disparities in police stops across the city.
The report, released by Campaign Zero, examined police contact card data collected between 2009 and 2025.
According to the organization, Black residents were stopped at disproportionately higher rates than White residents during the period studied. The findings have sparked discussion among city leaders, police officials, and criminal justice advocates. Local officials say they will review the data and methodology before determining whether policy changes are needed.
Police stops report highlights racial disparities
Campaign Zero analyzed 472,666 police stops recorded by the Cincinnati Police Department over a 16-year period. According to the report, Black residents accounted for approximately 80% of pedestrian stops and 66% of traffic stops in 2025. The organization reported that Black Cincinnatians were about three times more likely to be stopped than White residents.
According to reporting by WVXU, the report concluded that racial disparities persisted even as the total number of police stops declined over time. Campaign Zero researchers argued that the data suggests unequal enforcement patterns remain a concern.
The report also reviewed trends across multiple categories, including:
- Traffic stops
- Pedestrian stops
- Search rates
- Stop outcomes
- Demographic patterns
Researchers said the disparities remained visible across several measurements used in the study.
City leaders respond to police stops report
Cincinnati leaders acknowledged the report but emphasized that additional review is necessary. City Manager Sheryl Long said officials take the findings seriously and plan to examine the underlying data…