In this photo taken on Sunday, January 21, 2024, a Chicago police vehicle passes by the Near North District police station. Following a report revealing that the department conducted 530,000 stops in 2023, a 5% rise from the previous year, two civil rights organizations are urging the Chicago Police to reconsider their approach to traffic stops. – Jessica Alvarado Gamez. Img source: www.wbez.org
May 15, 2024 Story by: Editor
In Chicago, the controversial practice of “pretextual” traffic stops, disproportionately targeting drivers of color, is under scrutiny. A new proposal, championed by outgoing Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, seeks to curb these stops, marking a potential shift in law enforcement strategy.
The proposed policy, as outlined in a draft document obtained by the I-Team, would lead prosecutors to “decline to prosecute” cases stemming from non-public-safety traffic stops. Even if contraband is discovered during the search, cases resulting from minor infractions like expired registrations or missing license plates would not be pursued.
Check out the full proposal here.
This initiative responds to concerns about the adverse impact of such stops on under-resourced communities, particularly Black and Latinx individuals. Foxx emphasized the need to address the inherent risks and community distrust associated with pretextual stops.
Critics argue that the emphasis on traffic stops has not significantly contributed to public safety. While the Chicago Police Department (CPD) has ramped up traffic stops in recent years, data indicates that these stops rarely result in charges or citations. Civil rights advocates suggest that resources could be better allocated elsewhere, citing the ineffectiveness of the current approach. Source: ABC 7
The proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny of CPD practices, particularly following the fatal police shooting of 26-year-old motorist Dexter Reed during a traffic stop in East Garfield Park. The incident raised questions about the justification for the stop and highlighted concerns about police accountability.
While CPD has not yet commented on the proposed policy, Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized a focus on violent crime rather than traffic stops. However, discussions between the state’s attorney’s office and city officials suggest ongoing deliberations over potential policy changes.
As Chicago grapples with issues of policing and community trust, the proposed overhaul of traffic stop tactics reflects a broader effort to address systemic concerns and promote equitable law enforcement practices.
