This example of cracked windshields is rather close to home..... I live in
the central neighborhood, and my windshield has a small crack. I've never
been stopped. But then, I'm white. I've also ridden my bike through
lights on occasion--and never been stopped. Ultimately for police
protection to work, there has to be a partnership between the police and
the neighborhood--and the neighbors need to feel that the "policeman is
your friend" as I remember learning in elementary school.
There aren't easy answers to this problem.
Interestingly enough, where I really noticed "racial profiling" was when I
travelled to visit my sister in Japan last year. There were federal agents
(customs I think) selectively searching passengers getting on the plane.
All the people searched were Asian looking. No white appearing people were
searched.
Eva
Eva Young
Central
>This statement is contradictory and full or problems. Jaywalking and
>driving damaged vehicles are not "crimes," but mere legal violations. I
>bet most peoople would disagree that it is not oppressive for police to
>stop people for every conceivable violation. The reality is that the
>police usually do not do so, and we do not want them to. Most would
>prefer that the police spend their time on serious matters. It is not
>fair, and in fact racist, that people in low income communities of color
>have to be subject to much stricter standards than others. Furthermore,
>the enforcement of every conceivable law on the condition of vehicles
>places a far greater burden on people who are poor and cannot afford to
>keep their vehicles in perfect repair, but need to drive to get to work
>and make a living. It is known as "the criminalization of poverty."
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