End Racial Profiling Act of 2001 Introduced in Congress June 6

(Requires federal, state, local law enforcement to take action)

The End Racial Profiling Act of 2001, a bipartisan bill designed to end racial profiling, was introduced in Congress June 6 by Representatives John Conyers (Democrat-Michigan), Christopher Shays (Republican-Connecticut), David Wu (Democrat-Oregon), Senators Russ Feingold (Democrat-Wisconsin), Jon Corzine (Democrat-New Jersey), and Hillary Rodham Clinton (Democrat-New York).

"Racial profiling is the practice of a law enforcement agent relying on race, ethnicity, or national origin in selecting which individuals to subject to routine investigatory activities," the bipartisan bill says.

This legislation bans racial profiling and requires federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to take steps to eliminate the practice.

"Racial profiling not only undermines Constitutional rights, but also undermines the trust on which law enforcement depends," Representative Conyers said. "A recent Justice Department report found that although African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be stopped and searched by law enforcement, they are much less likely to be found in possession of contraband."

Senator Corzine said that "Not only is racial profiling wrong, there is no evidence that it is an effective tool in combating crime. There is no evidence that stopping people of color adds up to catching bad guys."

"Both the President and Attorney General have called for a ban on this practice," said Conyers. "There is near unanimous agreement on all sides of the political spectrum that it should be ended. The time has come to pass this bill."

Following is text of statement by the bipartisan group of co-sponsors:

(begin text)

END RACIAL PROFILING ACT OF 2001 INTRODUCED IN THE U.S.CONGRESS JUNE 6

Bipartisan Group of Members Introduces Legislation Banning Racial Profiling

Washington, D.C. - Representative John Conyers (Democrat-Michigan), Senator Russ Feingold (Democrat-Wisconsin), Senator Jon Corzine (Democrat-New Jersey), Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (Democrat-New York), Representative Christopher Shays (Republican-Connecticut) and Representative David Wu (Democrat-Oregon) along with members of the law enforcement and civil rights communities introduced the End Racial Profiling Act of 2001 in Congress June 6, 2001.

Racial profiling is the practice of a law enforcement agent relying on race, ethnicity, or national origin in selecting which individuals to subject to routine investigatory activities.

This bipartisan legislation bans racial profiling and requires federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to take steps to eliminate the practice. The bill takes a "carrot and stick" approach. It authorizes the Attorney General to provide incentive grants to assist agencies with complying with this act and conditions federal funds to state and local law enforcement agencies on their compliance with certain requirements:

-- adopting policies prohibiting racial profiling

-- implementing complaint procedures to respond to complaints of racial profiling effectively

-- implementing disciplinary procedures for officers who engage in the practice

-- collecting data on routine investigatory activities like traffic and pedestrian stops

In a joint statement, the sponsors of the legislation said, "It is time to move beyond studying whether racial profiling exists. We know it exists. Now, let's take the right steps to eliminate it and protect the rights of all Americans to walk on our streets and drive on our highways free of discrimination. We are confident that this is a bill that can gain the support of the civil rights community, the law enforcement community and members of both political parties."

Bruce D. Chamberlin, the Chief of Police in Cheektowaga, New York, said, "I am here today to express my support for the End Racial Profiling Act of 2001 because through my experience I find it emphasizes the key elements for success: education, effective policies, and procedures, technology, and practical data collection. The public needs to have faith in its law enforcement officers to act in a professional, legal and unbiased manner towards all people. I believe this bill will help restore the public's faith in the integrity of law enforcement and its ability to provide fair and impartial police service."

Robert Wilkins said, "One hundred thirty years after the civil war, black people still shouldn't have to suffer scrutiny when they travel."

Robert A. Ficano, Wayne County, Michigan Sheriff "Racial profiling is not only unconstitutional; more importantly, it is wrong ...it is deeply corrosive to police and community relations."

Thomas Manahan, Union County, New Jersey Prosecutor said, "The End Racial Profiling Act would require local law enforcement agencies to adopt policies and procedures to eliminate and prevent racial profiling. Based on my own experience in Union County, New Jersey, where I am the county prosecutor, I believe this is a sensible and effective approach. It will encourage local law enforcement agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure impartial, professional and unbiased policing."