Table 5. Basis for search distribution by search type in searches conducted by California law enforcement (2023)
Note: Sample sizes are as follows: person only (n =312,609), property only (n= 50,402), and person and
property (n = 233,431). Because each stop with a search can include multiple reasons for search, columns
will sum to more than 100. Exigent circumstances, canine detection, and suspected violation of school policy
as bases for search are excluded from the table, as each makes up less than 1% of all stops with searches.
Twelve stops in which a search was conducted did not have any bases for search indicated. “Parole/Probation/
Postrelease Community Supervision (PRCS)/mandatory supervision” capture all searches that were conducted because a person was on one of these forms of post-conviction supervision.
Chart: California Policy Lab