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Rain showers in the morning with thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 77F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..
Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low 58F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Updated: May 17, 2024 @ 11:38 pm
The Times-News recently published an article examing the racial breakdown of those stopped and searched during traffic stops in Alamance and surrounding counties. The Times-News reached out to local leaders to get their responses to the recently published report.
Members of the Board of Commissioners and Graham Mayor Jerry Peterman all either declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment.
More: Police more likely to stop, search a Black driver in Burlington area: Times-News investigation
Burlington Mayor Ian Baltutis said this is a complex issue and that it's important to consider the full picture of what's happening during traffic stops.
"I think it's important that folks understand that stops are one thing, but understanding the reason for those stops, what happens during them whether it's citations, warnings, contraband being found, consent searches being undertaken, all of that is important," he said.
Baltutis also said it's important to consider trends over time because while bias does exist, Burlington police are working to improve.
"I think you can see the progress of our work especially when you look at trends from 2016 onward and how some of these bias gaps start to shrink," he said. "I think that's a really important piece to say, 'Bias exists out there. Police departments and communities have to be aware of it, but the ones who are working towards it are making good progress.'"
Burlington has been working to lessen bias in the police department by implementing bias training that exceeds state standards and enrolling officers in the Racial Equity Institute, a community institute for racial equity awareness and action. The Burlington City Council is working with the police department to establish a Community Police Advisory Team, which would give community members the opportunity to give input on the police department.
Baltutis said the relationship between the community and police department is critical.
"There will always be a better way to do policing and to serve the needs of the community, so having the community driving that instead of the police driving that is going to be absolutely critical for our police department going forward, and Burlington is leading the way with that kind of initiative."
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Mebane Mayor Ed Hooks responded in a written statement to the Times-News.
"We have the best police force, and our officers are the best trained and dedicated anywhere," Hooks wrote. "We have just been accredited, which is a tremendous accomplishment in itself.
"We would never target any group for any cause unless justified. The large percentage of our traffic stops are established by third party calls, with descriptions of both the suspect and the vehicle. Therefore when found they have probable cause to stop and search. Always, the (suspect's) race and sex are generally provided to communication and not pre-determined by the officer. Sadly, the higher percentages of those suspects are people of color."
On social media, some said they think the people were searched because they committed a crime and that the color of their skin did not play a factor. Others on Facebook suggested officers patrol more in predominantly minority communities, and that leads to the disparities.
Many commenters said they are not surprised with the data and that they feel it is representative of law enforcement across the United States.
This article originally appeared on Times-News: Alamance County leaders react to traffic stop story
