In accordance with the Texas "Racial Profiling" statute (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.131 through 2.138), the Garland Police Department has been collecting police contact data for the purpose of identifying and responding to concerns regarding racial profiling since the implementation of the statute in 2002. In accordance with the law, the Police Department is required to submit this report to the City Council by March 1st of each year for the data from the previous calendar year.
OPTIONS
No action is required by City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accepts the report as submitted.
BACKGROUND
Chapter 2 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure includes a prohibition of "racial profiling" by peace officers. It requires law enforcement agencies to adopt a detailed written policy on racial profiling, and implement a process by which an individual may file a complaint if the individual believes that a police officer engaged in racial profiling with respect to that individual. In addition, the statute requires, among other things, that the department provide public education relating to the agency's complaint process.
The Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.131 – 2.138 requires all agencies to report racial profiling data to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as well as to their "governing body" (City Council).
The Garland Police Department has met all the requirements related to policies, procedures, and reporting requirements related to Racial Profiling.