Thirty Days after Traffic Stops Halted for Vehicle Equipment Infractions, Results not Surprising, but Still Under Analysis

"GREENSBORO, NC (Dec. 15, 2015) – Thirty days after Greensboro Police Chief Wayne Scott issued a special order directing patrol officers to suspend stopping vehicles for minor equipment infractions and focus on foot patrols through neighborhoods, the impact on racial disparity on traffic stops is still unclear.

“On one hand, the data is as we expected,” stated Scott. “The number of total traffic stops has declined and the gap in racial disparity in stops has narrowed.”

During the initial 30-day period of the special order, the total number of stops declined by 32% compared to the same period last year, and stops for vehicle equipment violations decreased by 88%. 

Between Nov. 11 and Dec. 10, officers throughout the city conducted 1,157 traffic stops. Black motorists were stopped 566 times, compared to whites who pulled over in ten less instances.  Historically, traffic stops for vehicle equipment infarctions accounted for approximately 12% of all traffic stops. This type of stop also accounts for the largest disparity between black and white motorists.

“On the other hand, we still need to determine is the root cause – or causes – of the disparity,” Scott said. “The numbers tell us only what happened. The numbers don’t tell us why it happened.”

Although the preliminary numbers show that the racial disparity in traffic stops across the city has narrowed, a closer look at the data points out some trends that deserve further scrutiny.

For instance, the time of day and locations of the traffic stops result in racial disparities in the data.

“These are just two examples of the many factors that can influence who gets pulled over,” explained Scott. “This is a complex issue that requires in-depth study.”

The Greensboro Police Department expects a full analysis of traffic stop data in late January or early February. The data is being evaluated by two academic researchers hired by the department in August. The researchers were contracted to analyze the department’s traffic stop data in greater detail, compare the results to recently-published reports, and provide findings of possible underlying relationships between the enforcement actions and societal factors. 

During the first 30 days of the special order, traffic stops for seat belt use, speeding, and movement violations remained consistent with previous rates."

                                                      A Press Release

Police Chief Wayne Scott Offers Departmental Actions Related to Racial Disparities

"GREENSBORO, NC (October 28, 2015) –  Greensboro Police Chief Wayne Scott provides the following in follow up to community concerns and questions raised regarding the recent New York Times article highlighting racial disparities in policing in Greensboro.

“I want to reassure the Greensboro community that I and the entire police department remain very concerned by the data and information shared in this week’s New York Times article about racial disparities. The police department consists of hard working men and women who are required to act within the law and abide by a code of conduct and policies that specifically prohibit racial profiling (see attached). Clearly there is information that tells us problems and discrepancies exist and my staff and I are working to better understand the causes and to make appropriate changes to improve police interactions in our community.

The data revealed by the New York Times and information released by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill paints a complex and troubling picture. Prior to the release of that information, my team was working with consultants at North Carolina A&T State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to analyze our local data. I felt it was a needed step to help us better understand the causes and to help shape and inform future departmental policy and practice enhancements.

At this time, I’m expecting to have the results of our research in January. I plan to openly share the results with our entire community and will also ask for the assistance of my faith leadership council and bias-based policing committee to help our department plan and implement improvements.

As officers, we are always mindful of the value Greensboro residents place in us to perform our duties professionally and with utmost integrity. That’s why we strive to exercise sound discretion and conduct in the daily execution of activities including traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, field interviews, and asset/forfeiture seizures. It’s also why we consistently review our code of conduct and bias-based policing directives to remind our officers of their intended purposes and application and to reinforce departmental accountability. When officers fall short in those areas, they are held accountable.

Strengthening police relationships and trust within the community remains a top priority of mine. We’re continuing to review the strategies that I launched when I became Chief in April. They are designed to help us become a better police department that is a national model for exceptional policing through our commitment to excellence, selfless public service, and effective community partnerships.  Meanwhile, in the coming weeks, I will announce a series of additional measures designed to aid the department in better connecting with the community we serve.

I again want to reassure the community that I take these matters very seriously and I will continue to openly share information in our follow-up on this and other important policing topics. We will also continue to be sensitive in our interactions, open-minded, good listeners, and focused on best meeting the needs of our community. Most importantly, we will work to build trust by acknowledging and embracing change if it means we will grow stronger together as a department and a city.”"

- A Press Release

June 15: Greensboro Police Chief Wayne Scott discusses benefits, challenges, opportunities on ‘Diversity in Law Enforcement’ at Diversity Forum

"GREENSBORO, North Carolina — Greensboro Police Chief Wayne Scott will participate in a candid presentation on “Diversity in Law Enforcement: The Benefits, Challenges and Opportunities,” at the Quarterly Diversity Forum Breakfast, June 15, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Social Hall, Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road, Greensboro.

“Timely and appropriate, the subject of diversity in law enforcement is under discussion across the nation, as many police departments seek to recruit officers to reflect the racial, ethnic, gender and cultural composition of their service jurisdictions,” said David Moff, chief executive officer, The HR Group Inc., founder of the seven-year-old nonprofit educational forum.

This Quarter’s Diversity Forum begins with an overview of benefits of a diverse police department. Internationally-acclaimed diversity educator Lenora Billings-Harris will share insights and case histories from her work helping companies and government agencies transform their organizations into productive, inclusive work cultures.

Chief Scott will address the national challenges affecting recruiting for law enforcement, along with Greensboro Police efforts to hire more officers reflecting the racial-ethnic-cultural diversity of the city and region.

“Recruiting and retaining a diverse work force is one of my six overarching strategies to make our police department a national model for exceptional policing,” said Scott. “Law enforcement is a noble profession, and one that needs compassionate dedicated people from all walks of life.”

Open to the public, cost is $5 to cover breakfast and will be collected at the door. Reservations required: www.thehrgroupinc.net/humanresourcesevents or telephone, 336-292-1911.

All proceeds will be donated to the Greensboro Police Foundation in memory of Frank Mascia, civic leader and late chair of the foundation. Ample vehicular parking exists.

Sponsored by Honda Aircraft Company, Diversity Forum presenters are The HR Group Inc., Honda Aircraft Company, Greensboro Police Department and City of Greensboro Human Relations Department.

ABOUT THE QUARTERLY DIVERSITY FORUM BREAKFAST

The HR Group Inc. inaugurated the Quarterly Diversity Forum Breakfasts in 2008, as a community outreach project for a client, evolving into a noncommercial educational community service.

The Forum addresses the full spectrum of diversity in the workplace and community, with topics including race, gender, inequality, the arts, sexual orientation, religion, sexual harassment, persons with disabilities.

All programs are interactive, with speakers, panel discussions and audience engaging one another for respectful and significant impact."