Connecticut Senate Bill SB00364

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/12
• Refer: 3/6/12
• Report Pass: 3/21/12
• Refer: 3/30/12
• Report Pass: 4/5/12
• Engrossed: 4/19/12
• Report Pass: 4/20/12
• Chaptered: 5/17/12
• Enrolled: 5/22/12
• Passed: 6/6/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Traffic Stop Information.

Impact

Once enacted, SB 364 will mandate that all municipal police departments and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection adopt written policies prohibiting traffic stops that are solely motivated by race or other discriminatory factors. The bill also establishes the Racial Profiling Prohibition Project Advisory Board, which will advise the Office of Policy and Management on standardized methods and guidelines for implementing this data collection initiative. By collecting comprehensive data on traffic stops, state officials aim to better monitor law enforcement practices and promote equitable treatment of all citizens under the law.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 364, also known as the Act Concerning Traffic Stop Information, focuses on the collection and reporting of data related to traffic stops by law enforcement agencies in Connecticut. The primary intent of the bill is to prevent racial profiling by establishing a standardized method for police officers to document the details of traffic stops, including the race, ethnicity, age, and gender of individuals stopped. By requiring this data collection, the bill aims to enhance accountability and transparency in policing practices, providing a framework to understand and address possible biases in traffic enforcement.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 364 has generally been positive among civil rights advocates and community organizations, viewing it as a necessary step toward confronting systemic issues of racial profiling within law enforcement. Supporters argue that rigorous data collection is essential to uncover patterns of discrimination and ensure that communities feel safe and respected during encounters with police. However, some law enforcement groups have expressed concerns regarding the logistical challenges of implementing such data collection and the potential burden of additional paperwork on police officers.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around the bill include the concerns raised by law enforcement about the feasibility of training officers to comply with new reporting requirements and the implications for police resources. Critics argue that while the bill's intentions are commendable, its implementation could distract officers from their primary duties. Additionally, there are debates about the adequacy of the methods for interpreting the data collected, as discrepancies in perceptions may arise in the documentation of race and ethnicity during traffic stops, thus complicating the analysis of the data.