Street vending has been a vital part of Los Angeles’ informal economy, especially in Latino and Black communities. For many, it’s a source of income and cultural expression. But for years, street vendors were criminalized and faced arrest for minor violations. In response, a local group called the Los Angeles Street Vendor Campaign (LASVC) led a grassroots movement to push for decriminalization. Their efforts contributed to the legalization of street vending and called attention to how enforcement disproportionately harmed communities of color. After police arrest records were made public in 2020, researchers gained access to data that made it possible to analyze trends in street vendor arrests over time.

Our study examined street vendor-related arrests by the LAPD from 2010 to 2018. We used data analysis and mapping tools to compare arrest patterns before and after the advocacy movement. We looked at changes over time, where arrests were happening, and who was being arrested. We found a sharp decline in arrests after the advocacy campaign began. Latino men made up the majority of those arrested, followed by Black men. This work shows how data can be used to support community efforts and bring attention to inequality in policing.