University researchers seek to help police avoid profiling
Researchers are visiting with St. Louis County police this week in an effort to ensure they’re doing all they can to avoid racial profiling.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that researchers from the University of California Los Angeles are evaluating the department’s protocols on traffic stops, and making recommendations.
Former Police Chief Tim Fitch recommended the evaluation after anonymous letters last year accused a police lieutenant of ordering officers to target black people in south St. Louis County. The lieutenant, Patrick Hayes, was eventually fired. Hayes has appealed to the police board.
The researchers will also meet with residents, police union officials, business owners and community groups. The study is expected to require several visits to the department over several months.
| The Associated Press
This story was originally published May 20, 2014 at 6:57 AM with the headline "University researchers seek to help police avoid profiling."