More Steps Needed to End Racial Profiling in N.J.
Earlier this month, monitors from the Department of Justice reported that the New Jersey State Police are in total compliance with a federal consent decree that ordered an end racial profiling by police officers.
But Governor Jon Corzine, like the ACLU, is skeptical. After all, it was just a couple years ago that a local New Jersey police department was sued for racial discrimination by three African-American teenagers in a case brought by the ACLU of New Jersey. Deborah Jacobs, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey, wrote in a Star-Ledger op-ed that the state needs an oversight office that reviews these local departments as well as the state police.
Jacobs points out the many flaws in the report, which claims the police have made significant strides in training its officers and halting racially discriminatory traffic stops. Among the flaws is the police's failure to document the race of motorists stopped by the police, not just the legality of the traffic stop. If both factors were monitored, it would reveal something we all know: Minorities are the primary targets of traffic stops.
In response to the report, Gov. Corzine said he would seek the input of his appointed Advisory Committee on Police Standards before allowing the state to discontinue supervision and remove the federal consent decree, which was entered after numerous complaints of racial profiling and the police shooting of three men of color on the Turnpike.
In her op-ed, Jacobs offered a number of recommendations for Gov. Corzine, including the formation of an independent police oversight office, and the establishment of a license system that accredits police officers the same way other professions, from doctors to manicurists, are licensed.
All people, irrespective of their race, deserve the protection of the police, and protection from police abuse. But this can only happen with accurate measures and active engagement in ending racial profiling.
But Governor Jon Corzine, like the ACLU, is skeptical. After all, it was just a couple years ago that a local New Jersey police department was sued for racial discrimination by three African-American teenagers in a case brought by the ACLU of New Jersey. Deborah Jacobs, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey, wrote in a Star-Ledger op-ed that the state needs an oversight office that reviews these local departments as well as the state police.
Jacobs points out the many flaws in the report, which claims the police have made significant strides in training its officers and halting racially discriminatory traffic stops. Among the flaws is the police's failure to document the race of motorists stopped by the police, not just the legality of the traffic stop. If both factors were monitored, it would reveal something we all know: Minorities are the primary targets of traffic stops.
In response to the report, Gov. Corzine said he would seek the input of his appointed Advisory Committee on Police Standards before allowing the state to discontinue supervision and remove the federal consent decree, which was entered after numerous complaints of racial profiling and the police shooting of three men of color on the Turnpike.
In her op-ed, Jacobs offered a number of recommendations for Gov. Corzine, including the formation of an independent police oversight office, and the establishment of a license system that accredits police officers the same way other professions, from doctors to manicurists, are licensed.
All people, irrespective of their race, deserve the protection of the police, and protection from police abuse. But this can only happen with accurate measures and active engagement in ending racial profiling.
Feb 3rd, 2009 at 9:19pm
The Elizabeth NJ Dept police are racist and lie on police reports in order to obtain a conviction Something needs to be done innocent people are going to jail!!!!
Feb 3rd, 2009 at 9:24pm
I had a run in with the law and you are right The Elizabeth Police dept in NJ are liars.
Feb 21st, 2009 at 9:03am
what happened? unless case is pending- I have some concerns too
Feb 22nd, 2009 at 8:27am
I too have a situation with EPD lying to make arrests. what happened? what can we do?
Feb 22nd, 2009 at 6:37pm
what happened, unless your case(s) are pending? I have a situation with them also.very interested in what you have to say
Feb 23rd, 2009 at 7:10am
Me too with EPD- what can be done?
Mar 7th, 2009 at 11:43pm
I would like to say what can be done is that we as a people need to make complaints to the internal affair,police dept. dept. They will try to pursuade you but you stick to your ground and the only way for the EPD to stop what they are doing is to make a complaint. There is also police abuse.com to make your complaints to they are a agency who cares about the misconduct of police officer do not take the abuse from the police you have rights.
Nov 30th, 2009 at 9:45am
woodbridge undercover police racially targets minority men in traffic stops.so there able to participate in being a sell out, more less a snitch. in a drug bust. rahway ave road , a no no for minority men to drive.
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