Virtual Traffic Stop

This paper aims to contribute to the literature by presenting a user-centered design research methodology for the design of police-community tools and by introducing the Virtual Traffic Stop mobile system. Though traffic stops may be an irregular occurrence to the everyday driver, when the driving population is looked at as a whole, they are, in fact, a frequent affair. Traffic stops make up the most common type of contact civilians have with the police. In recent years, media footage of traffic stops has shown how dangerous these encounters can be. Researchers conducted unstructured group interviews and participated in ride-along drives with local law enforcement officials. From this method, four user requirements are presented to the community at large: the system does not impair the safety of officers, the system allows for community engagement, the system should serve as a de-escalation tool, and the system should be cost-effective and easily adaptable for agencies and citizens alike.