Attorney General's News Release

Augist 23, 2000

Nixon files emergency rules to implement racial profiling law

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon has filed emergency rules to help implement the new racial profiling legislation that takes effect Aug. 28. The emergency rules give law enforcement officials guidelines for documenting the race of those stopped for traffic violations.

"Law enforcement is serious about implementing the new racial profiling legislation in an organized fashion that will help us secure the data required by law," Nixon said. "Furthermore, I want a process that will help us build trust between law enforcement and all communities in the state."

Nixon's office will be appointing a committee of community leaders and law enforcement officials to assist with the implementation and to analyze the data. The new law requires law enforcement to report information concerning each stop of a motor vehicle including:

• the racial identity of the person stopped;
• the violations alleged;
• the circumstances surrounding any resulting search; and
• whether arrests are made.

The law requires the Attorney General to compile the data in an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly. The law also requires each law enforcement agency to adopt a policy on race-based traffic stops, provide for periodic review and appropriate counseling and training of officers.

"In the end, we want a report that will document where there may be specific problems and one that will allow local law enforcement to deal appropriately with any officer who unfairly targets minorities," Nixon said.

Nixon said his office also is working with the Missouri Police Chiefs Association to provide training for law enforcement throughout Missouri.

In addition to the emergency rules, proposed permanent rules and regulations were filed with the Secretary of State yesterday. The rules will be published in the Missouri Register Sept. 15, and the public comment period will run through Oct. 16.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818