Policy Memo #1: Reforming Stop-and-Frisk Practices (Module 3):
This assignment requires students to critically examine the constitutional foundations, empirical research, and contemporary legal debates surrounding stop-and-frisk, with an emphasis on enhancing constitutional compliance, community trust, and police accountability.
Memo Requirements & Structure (3-5 Pages)
Background and Legal Context Summarize Terry v. Ohio and Illinois v. Wardlow, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the legal principles that define and regulate stop-and-frisk practices.
Explain how these rulings shape law enforcement discretion and constitutional limitations under the Fourth Amendment.
Analysis of Current Issues
Critically assess how police discretion, racial profiling, and/or community perceptions influence public trust in stop-and-frisk policies.
Empirical Research Integration
Synthesize key findings from Carmichael et al. (2021) and Huff (2021) on police behavior during stops in your analysis of the current issues.
Incorporate at least one additional peer-reviewed article to strengthen the analysis and provide a broader research-based perspective on the issue.
Policy Recommendations
Propose specific, actionable reforms that address the identified issues while balancing public safety and constitutional rights.
Justify recommendations with legal precedent, empirical evidence, and policy considerations to demonstrate feasibility and effectiveness.
Concept Map
Incorporate a visual representation of your analysis by utilizing a concept map or logic model. The visual representation should demonstrate an understanding of the policy’s structure, actors, and outcomes. You may integrate your concept map in text or as an appendix