House passes Conn. traffic stop data bill

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP/WTNH) — State lawmakers gave final legislative approval on Monday to a bill that beefs up a 1999 law requiring Connecticut police departments to report traffic stop information, creating the possibility of financial penalties if a department fails to comply.

The legislation comes after four East Haven police officers were arrested in January, accused of waging a campaign against Latino residents that included beatings, false arrests and harassment of those who threatened to report misconduct. All have pleaded not guilty.

"D-W-B, well, if you're not familiar with that term, it's called 'Driving While Black,'" said Rep. Doug McCrory.

State lawmakers Monday sent a strong message to police organizations around the state that making traffic stops or any other police action against blacks, Hispanics or any other minority without true just cause will not be tolerated.

"I have two white sons and four black step-sons," said Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, "and I can tell you that I worry so much more about the four black step-sons than I do about my white sons when they drive."

"I'm really disappointed that at this time in our state, that we still, that people of color are still being stopped," said Rep. Patricia Billie Miller.

A study concluded that only 27 police departments weren't routinely filing reports about the racial make up of who is stopped, even though it has been required by state law for more than a decade.

Now those who are stopped will be able to file their own report if they think the stop was racially motivated.

The bill was strongly supported Monday by the only police officer in the House of Representatives. "I believe that there's no room, whatsoever, in law enforcement for racial profiling," said Rep. Joseph Verrengia.

Representative Kelvin Roldan also supported the bill, but says it still doesn't go far enough.

"The appointment of a special master for those departments that continue to violate the civil rights of people in the State of Connecticut," said Rep. Kelvin Roldan.

Kelvin will attempt to get that into the law next year.

There will finally be some real teeth in the anti-racial profiling statute as the state will now have the authority to withhold state funds to cities and towns that do not file reports on the racial make up of the people they stop.