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New York Proposes Bill to Limit Police Traffic Stops for Minor Infractions

A legislative bill currently under review in New York aims to curb police traffic stops for minor violations, seeking to address issues related to racial equity and public safety. The proposal would prevent law enforcement from pulling over vehicles for several categories of minor infractions, including malfunctioning taillights, expired registration tags, excessive window tint, or a detected odor of marijuana.

According to the bill, evidence acquired during improper traffic stops may be inadmissible in court. The legislative measure highlights a commitment to reducing the frequency of traffic stops for minor violations, which disproportionately affects racial minorities, who represent a significant portion of those arrested and stopped in the state.

Disparities in Traffic Stops

Statistics from Nassau County reveal a stark disparity in traffic stop practices, with Black and Latino individuals constituting 61% of arrests, 50% of traffic stops, and 69% of pat-downs, despite these groups making up less than 30% of the county’s total population. The data indicates that Black drivers receive an average of 2 tickets per stop, while Latino drivers face an average of 2.1 tickets, compared to 1.3 tickets for white drivers.

A lawsuit filed against Nassau County claims racial bias in the police’s traffic stop practices. County Executive Bruce Blakeman has publicly denounced the accusation, stating it is “ridiculous” to suggest that racial bias influences police behavior, arguing that officers typically do not know the race of a driver prior to making a stop.

Concerns from Law Enforcement Officials

Blakeman also criticized the argument against traffic stops, labeling it as “pro-criminal.” He stressed the importance of law enforcement in maintaining public safety, declaring, “If you’re breaking the law, then you’re breaking the law.” Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder echoed this sentiment, stating that enforcing laws related to minor infractions is essential for ensuring road safety.

Ryder lamented that limiting law enforcement’s ability to address these violations could result in more dangerous roads. “Stop taking the handcuffs off of the criminals and putting them onto our men and women in law enforcement,” he expressed during a recent press conference.

District Attorney’s Stance on the Bill

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly has also criticized the proposed legislation, calling it “the most ridiculous thing I have seen in my 36 years in law enforcement.” She contended that the bill would have a disproportionately adverse effect on Nassau County due to its high volume of drivers and traffic incidents.

Donnelly referenced a pivotal traffic stop from 1993 that led to the apprehension of serial killer Joel Rifkin, highlighting the unpredictable outcomes of vehicle stops. “When an officer walks up to a driver and asks for their license and registration — they never know what is going to happen next,” she noted, emphasizing the necessity of conducting legitimate traffic stops for public safety.

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