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Sample Letter to Police on Racial Profiling

Dear Police Chief or Sheriff (name):

As a concerned resident of (city or county name), I am writing about the problem of racial profiling. Some officers stop motorists based solely on their race or ethnicity, thus violating their civil rights. I urge you to take action now to address this problem in our community by deciding to have your force voluntarily collect racial data at all stops of citizens.

I cannot over-emphasize the importance of voluntary data collection. The voluntary collection of such information would benefit police departments by providing them with concrete data with which to respond to allegations of racial profiling. An increasing number of law enforcement agencies are now collecting data on the race and ethnicity of those stopped in police initiated contacts with citizens. As you may know, the Florida Highway Patrol decided to voluntarily collect racial data at all stops of citizens and has been doing so since January of this year.

We should join the increasing number of cities and counties that are getting out in front of this issue by voluntarily collecting racial data. Such a pro-active stance would serve to increase confidence in our local law enforcement. I hope that you will take the necessary steps to address the problem of racial profiling in our community. I look forward to hearing your response on this very important issue.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

cc: Mayor; city/county commission