New Jersey Offers a Lesson about Racial Profiling

I read this editorial, in which the author discussed the racial profiling that has existed in New Jersey. For years, African Americans and Latinos who reside in New Jersey have been aware that they are more likely to be pulled over by the police on a highway than a Caucasian individual. In 1998, the racial profiling was called to the attention of the state when state troopers fired 11 shots into a van carrying black and Latino men. New Jersey’s state police were placed under federal oversight. Now, a special advisory committee to Governor. Jon Corzine has concluded that the State Police have changed their ways and the governor has asked for an end to this kind of federal monitoring. I think that New Jersey’s experience is an important lesson for police departments across the United States. The committee that worked on the New Jersey case found conclusions that demonstrate that “vigilance and resources” in our system is responsible for racism in law enforcement. This conclusion was partly based on testimony gathered during 18 public hearings over the last year and a half. Since the incident, the State Police have improved training and revised their procedures. They have tightened the supervision of troopers video cameras have been installed in patrol cars that record highway stops. In my opinion, continued investment of time and resources will be needed to ensure that these reforms become a part of law enforcement around the United States. Proper protocol for traffic stops should be highly valued.