State troopers reduce traffic stops after warnings of racial bias scrutiny.
In July 2023, there was a significant decrease in traffic enforcement tickets issued by New Jersey state troopers across the state. This decline in citations for various violations such as speeding, drunken driving, and cellphone use was drastic, with an 81 percent drop compared to the previous year. The decrease in enforcement was sustained for over eight months, leading to a notable increase in motor vehicle crashes during this period.
This unprecedented reduction in traffic enforcement has drawn attention from experts in the field of traffic data and law enforcement tactics in the United States. The New Jersey attorney general, Matthew J. Platkin, has initiated a criminal investigation into the matter, following concerns raised by individuals familiar with the inquiry. The investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind the significant decrease in enforcement by the State Police.
The slowdown in enforcement activities began shortly after the release of a report highlighting racial disparities in road safety enforcement practices within the State Police. The report, which analyzed more than a decade of traffic stops, reignited concerns about bias within the department. This issue is particularly sensitive as the State Police had previously been under federal oversight due to similar patterns of discrimination.
The findings of the report left troopers feeling uncertain about their adherence to the strict regulations established as a result of the federal consent decree. Many troopers feared that even minor errors during traffic stops could have serious repercussions on their careers. In response to these concerns, the union president, Wayne D. Blanchard, issued a memo reminding troopers of the risks associated with conducting motor vehicle stops.
The prolonged decrease in traffic enforcement in New Jersey has raised questions about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies. The impact of reduced enforcement on road safety and the potential implications for traffic-related incidents have become a focal point of the ongoing investigation. The state authorities are working to address the issues surrounding the decline in enforcement and to ensure the fair and unbiased implementation of traffic laws in New Jersey.
Source: The NY Times
