Decision tabled on controversial proposal to limit traffic stops in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco’s Police Fee on Wednesday evening tabled a controversial proposal to restrict some kinds of visitors stops.

The aim of the proposal was to chop again on racial bias in policing, which has been drawing a lot of feedback and issues.

“We’re as much as virtually 300 emails within the final 24 hours on this,” stated Commissioner Debra Walker.

One factor that will have been restricted, is what are known as pretextual visitors stops.

MORE: Black drivers are 4.4 instances extra more likely to be stopped by SFPD than white drivers, information reveals

That is when officers pull drivers over for minor infractions — like a damaged taillight or expired registration tags — as a method to ask extra questions and verify for potential felony exercise.

“The intention is to cut back racial bias in visitors stops. That is the aim all of us have,” stated Commissioner Walker.

“Black San Franciscans are seven instances extra seemingly than Whites to be stopped,” stated Phelicia Jones. She’s with wealth and disparities within the Black group.

“I believe there are extra essential issues now we have to get to within the enterprise of stopping racial profiling. Right here in San Francisco amongst San Francisco Police Division,” stated Jones. “The DOJ got here right here in 2016 and acknowledged there was bias in this stuff and that is what they have to be engaged on, and which they haven’t.”

Nevertheless, the proposal is yielding combined response.

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The police fee is requested to think about two issues.

Primary: To cease pretextual stops.

Mayor London Breed says she helps that and she or he says it has labored in different jurisdictions like in Los Angeles.

Quantity two: To ban police from implementing various visitors legal guidelines with out exception.

MORE: Black males are 8 instances extra more likely to be stopped by Oakland police than White males, information reveals

“This proposal is severely problematic and I don’t help it. Banning this police from implementing transferring violations and harmful behaviors that would end in harm or loss of life is not sensible.”

“They’ll say police cannot implement that anymore,” stated Frank Noto with Cease Crime SF.

Noto is worried about what the brand new proposal might do if it is inexperienced lighted.

“We really feel it should improve visitors accidents. It will improve crime after which it should improve shootings. It is poorly thought out,” stated Noto. “Driving whereas Black is an issue. And there may be some racism, however this is not the way in which to do it.”

“San Franciscans actually help ending bias stops. In addition they need our streets protected. They usually do not assume the reply is eliminating the enforcement of the principles,” stated Commissioner Walker.

For now, the fee plans to revisit the proposal subsequent 12 months.

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