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Release: Rep. Roberts says new report emphasizes need to address continued racial disparities in traffic stops

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Steven Roberts said today that a report recently released by the Missouri Attorney General is further proof that the state needs to act quickly to address the fact that black motorists continue to be pulled over at an unacceptably high rate.

 Steven RobertsRoberts said the 2016 Vehicle Stops Executive Summary released Wednesday, May 31 shows that black drivers in Missouri were 75 percent more likely than white motorists to be pulled over last year. The rate was an increase from 2015 when it was 69 percent, but the same as the 2014 rate, which was the highest the state had seen since it began compiling data 17 years ago. The report also notes that African-Americans represent 10.9 percent of the driving-age population but 18.0 percent of all traffic stops.

Roberts said the statistics put out by the Attorney General’s office emphasize the need for his legislation (HB 1201) to prohibit law enforcement agencies from requiring officers to issue a specific number of citations within a designated period of time.

“During my time as a prosecutor, I saw how much of a detrimental impact quotas have on law-abiding citizens. The quotas currently in place encourage officers to seek out crimes and penalize, regardless of the seriousness of the offense. In an area like Ferguson, Missouri, which is already home to trust issues between residents and police officers, these requirements create more unnecessary tension. The requirements we put in place for our police officers should not encourage or pressure officers to harass innocent citizens,” said Roberts, D-St. Louis.

Roberts noted the report also indicated that African-Americans are 1.57 times more likely to be searched than whites. However, the contraband hit rate for black motorists, which is 29 percent, is actually lower than the rate for whites, which is nearly 34 percent.

“If we can eliminate the quota retirements, we can make significant improvements to the disparities that have existed for far too long,” added Roberts. “Missouri has been compiling data for 17 years, but it is time to move just collecting the data and into action. Historically the relationship between police and the African-American community has been challenging. We need to make important strides forward to restore the faith our communities have in law enforcement.”

Roberts explained that HB 1201 and similar bills are meant to help ease tensions between the community and law enforcement, while also doing a better job of representing minorities and African Americans in the area.

For more information, contact Rep. Steven Roberts at 573-751-1400.