Police officers conducting traffic stops in Burlington County will be required to maintain and review records of the race and gender of people they stop.
By: Vanessa S. Holt
The new procedure is part of a new anti-profiling policy recently adopted by the Burlington County Police Chiefs Association.
The policy, which will go into effect on Sept. 1, will require law enforcement agencies in the county to review data regarding the race, ethnicity and gender of individuals involved in motor vehicle stops.
The agencies also are required to keep the records for at least three years.
In addition, police must record the basis and disposition for each stop.
According to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the measure was created to maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system.
It also was created to ensure that motorists are not being stopped based on their racial or ethnic characteristics.
"The Burlington County Chiefs of Police Association and the Burlington County Prosecutor recognize that law enforcement needs the support and confidence of the citizens that they serve in order to better carry out their sworn duties," said County Prosecutor Robert Bernardi. "It is in this spirit that the policy was adopted."
Although the policy effectively reaffirms existing policies and practices, it also acknowledges law enforcement’s responsibility to address and deal with racial profiling issues that have gained national media attention.
"From a local standpoint we have not received complaints from anyone," said Bordentown Police Chief Philip Castagna, president of the association. "I don’t feel we have a problem at the local level, but now at least the officers have something in writing so it’s clear what’s expected of them."