June 1, 2011

A local group called the Missouri Prevent Racial Profiling Initiative is working to get a measure on the November 2012 ballot that would require law enforcement agencies to take steps to prevent racial profiling.

According to the ballot initiative platform, the steps could include providing information about traffic and pedestrian stops to the Missouri Attorney General, implementing a complaint process and requiring corrective action for violators.

Current law already requires an annual report on racial profiling to be given to the Missouri Attorney General. Additionally, law enforcement conducts required classes on a biennial basis to sensitize officers and to prevent any overt or unjustified cases of racial profiling.

“We have a man who comes every two years to hold interactive classes where we are encouraged to ask questions,” Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Latisha Stroer said. “It’s great how he makes it fresh and relevant each time.”

Stroer said it isn’t a large enough issue to warrant a spot on the ballot.

Mary Still, D-Columbia, said she believes racial profiling is still an issue. Still was on the Attorney General Office staff for 12 years and helped to collect information for previous reports and to write the previous law concerning racial profiling.

“I very much feel that this is an issue,” she said. “I think more people just need to be sensitive to the kind of problem it is. Unless you’re a minority, you don’t necessarily see the problems others face.”

But she said she doesn’t think the legislation would pass, pointing out that many don’t see it as an issue.

“Recognize that you may not experience profiling, but it does happen,” she said.

Still said the representatives likely wouldn’t support it because they are not necessarily looking at the problem from the perspective of a minority.

To qualify for the ballot, the initiative required signatures from registered voters equal to 5 percent of the total votes cast in the 2008 governor’s election from six of Missouri’s nine congressional districts. The group collected more than the 90,000 signatures needed to put the measure to a statewide vote. The measure was certified May 16.

Still indicated that if the ballot did go through, a “huge undertaking” would ensue.

“There’s definitely a big uphill battle to get this ballot through,” she said. “Don’t expect it to pass.”

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