The Timing of Police Encounters in Adolescence and Adult Cognitive Function: Heterogeneity by Race/Ethnicity

This study investigated whether police stops in adolescence are associated with cognitive function in adulthood, with a particular focus on racial/ethnic heterogeneity. Moreover, this study explored how the timing of first stops affects these associations. Using data from waves I, III, and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study employed ordinary least squares regression models with school fixed effects. Participants' memory performance was used to measure cognitive function. Police stops in adolescence were negatively associated with cognitive function in adulthood, even after controlling for a set of individual- and family-level characteristics, as well as unobserved school-level confounders. Earlier experiences of first police stops (before age 15) exhibited a stronger association with adult cognitive function compared to later experiences (after age 16). These associations were more pronounced among racial/ethnic minorities, particularly Hispanics, compared to whites. The findings of this study suggest that policies aimed at reducing the stress and trauma of police stops could help alleviate disparities in cognitive function across different groups. Given the vulnerabilities of young adolescents and racial/ethnic minorities, policies and programs targeting these groups should carefully consider the nature of police encounters, promoting health equity through less intrusive law enforcement practices.