Date of Conferral

5-8-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Derrick Jones

Abstract

This qualitative, phenomenological study is an examination of the fear of deadly encounters during traffic stops as experienced by seven African American men in Detroit. This fear is rooted in the historical context of slavery, where laws permitted the use of force to control African Americans. Using the critical race theory framework, the impact of traffic stops on African American men was explored, including how these encounters contribute to fear, psychological distress, and potential escalation of violence in interactions with law enforcement. The study shows that the fear of police encounters significantly impacts the psychological well-being, trust, and security of African American men. Seven African American men were interviewed about their lived experiences during traffic stops in Detroit. Data analysis included organizing, sorting, and coding the data to reveal patterns and themes. The findings reveal the intense fear the seven African American men experienced during police traffic stops in Detroit, shaped by personal experiences, historical context, and systemic issues in policing. Key themes included feelings of fear, experiences of racial bias, the development of survival strategies, trauma stemming from past encounters with police violence, concerns about potential escalation during stops, and a pressing demand for greater police accountability. Implications from this study include the need for policy reforms to promote positive social change, including mandatory data collection on traffic stops, the establishment of civilian oversight committees, and reviews of use-of-force incidents. These measures are essential for implementing positive social change by tackling systemic racism and reducing racial disparities in policing, ultimately fostering a more equitable and just society.

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