Police Traffic Stops and Racial Profiling: Resolving Management, Labor and Civil Rights Conflicts

This text examines the numbers, the advocacy arguments and the practical realities of the "racial profiling" controversy. By applying law, logic, electoral common sense and police community relations, the author shows how the successful police manager will deal with the issues without enduring personal or career disaster for the attempt. The first part of the text explains the "racial profiling" controversy in the context of traffic stops. The political and policy issues are covered along with the constitutional standards. Then, the second part addresses the types of actions sought by those who assert a need for remedies against police investigatory stops. The third aspect of this text is an analysis of the mechanism by which challengers force elected officials into the defensive settlements seen in 1998-2001. Next, the roles of elected officials, police managers and police unions in dealing with this controversy is discussed. Finally, preventive steps are suggested that can practically be implemented to avoid this controversy from affecting successful police administration. By taking apart the complex topic and showing its meaning, significance and consequential events, it is hoped that this book will help facilitate solutions where currently there is confusion and alarm.