SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) – Following the release of a recent study’s findings, local community leaders say minorities are being racially profiled by San Diego police.
The National Action Network and Women Occupy San Diego groups are calling for San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman and Mayor Kevin Faulconer to take action concerning a recent SDSU report regarding traffic stops and racial bias over the last two years. They planned a press conference at the Spreckels Building for Monday morning.
The study revealed that, of quarter of a million drivers, blacks and Hispanics were more likely to be searched following a traffic stop. But white drivers were more often found with contraband.
According to the data, black, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander drivers were given field interviews at greater rates than white drivers.
Reverend Shane Harris, President of the National Action Network, Alfred Olango's father, Robert Branch and others spoke at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the San Diego Press Club on Broadway. "We want the mayor and police chief to take a stand on this issue," said Rev. Harris.
Last month, community members and Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman spoke at a city council committee meeting about the traffic stops. The study recommended addressing racial and ethnic disparities, better training and better record keeping. Zimmerman said the department has enhanced training to combat bias and wants everyone to feel safe and valued.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer released this statement:
I strongly believe that community relationships and public safety go hand in hand. The stronger the community partnerships are, the more successful our police department will be at keeping our neighborhoods safe. This is why the City and the Police Department remain committed to implementing the recommendations by building upon current efforts to improve data collection, training and community outreach.
Community activists said minorities are more likely to be harassed by police when they're pulled over. They say they'll march on Martin Luther King Day next year as part of a national movement for police reform.
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