Statewide — A new report from the California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA) has highlighted significant racial disparities in police stops across the state, prompting a mix of defensive responses and silence from law enforcement agencies.
The 2025 RIPA report analyzed 4.7 million stops conducted in 2023 by 539 agencies and found that Black individuals were stopped 126% more often than their share of the population, while Latino individuals were stopped 44% more often.
The report also revealed alarming trends in the policing of youth, particularly Black and Native American minors, who were disproportionately searched, handcuffed and subjected to force during stops.
“Young Californians who are driving, biking and walking and perceived to be Black or Brown are regularly stopped, asked to consent to a search, handcuffed, sat on the curb, put in a police car and questioned for information that is recorded on a field interview card before being released,” said Andrea Guerrero, co-chair of the RIPA Board in a press release. “This is California’s version of stop-and-frisk that causes immeasurable harm to the community and erodes trust in law enforcement from a young age.”
Inland Valley News (IVN) recently reported that the La Verne Police Department recorded the highest racial disparity in the Inland Empire in 2023, with Black individuals 5.1 times more likely to be stopped than White individuals per 10,000 residents. The Fontana Police Department recorded a disparity rate of 1.6 times.
Capt. Travis Tibbetts of the La Verne Police Department defended his agency’s practices in an emailed statement, claiming the department complies with laws and regulations prohibiting racial profiling.
“The La Verne Police Department takes issues of bias, stereotyping, and racial profiling very seriously,” Tibbetts said. “We are committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of race or ethnicity.”
Fontana Police also responded, framing the disparities as a reflection of the complexities of law enforcement.
“We are aware that the RIPA data can sometimes present challenges in fully and accurately reflecting the complexities of law enforcement practices and community interactions,” said Sgt. Nathan Weiske.
Weiske pointed to initiatives such as implicit bias training, improved data collection and community engagement but offered little in the way of concrete reforms.
“Disparities in stops or enforcement actions might be influenced by calls for service, reported crime patterns or other situational factors,” he said.
Chief Michael Dorsey of the Fontana Police Department stressed the significance of context regarding statistics.
“We recognize that data alone does not tell the full story, but it serves as a guide,” Dorsey said.
Despite requests for comment, other police departments with significant disparities—including the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Upland Police Department, and San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department—did not respond to IVN’s inquiries.
Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County is a member of the RIPA Board.
The RIPA report has sparked calls for urgent reforms to address the disparities, including enhanced accountability, officer training and policy changes. Guerrero emphasized the harmful effects of biased policing, particularly on young people.
“The racial disparities of policing stops, searches and use of force on youth is alarming,” Guerrero said. “We need policymakers, law enforcement agencies and community advocates to take these findings seriously and act to eliminate bias in policing.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed the need for reform.
“This year’s report takes a close look at the policing of youth and the lasting impact interactions with police can have at a young age,” Bonta stated in the press release. “Through the analysis of stop data and recommendations for thoughtful reforms, we’re continuing to strengthen trust between local law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
The upcoming Jan. 21 Community Briefing by the California Department of Justice may offer a critical platform for discussing solutions.