Since 2007, the VOP Statewide Racial Profiling Campaign Committee has been working on two fronts. We are both seeking to work with law enforcement to strengthen their ongoing training and coordination efforts, and seeking to create some accountability that has never existed in Virginia.

On one hand, we heard from legislative and law enforcement contacts that there might be support for legislation to strengthen training and coordination against bias-based policing. In the Fall of 2006, the Committee came up with some goals related to racial profiling and training. We discussed these with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), as well as with leaders of the Virginia Sheriffs Association and Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and with the Director of DCJS. We found strong support from Senator Ken Stolle, then Chair of the Courts of Justice Committee and also of the Virginia Crime Commission, who worked with us to develop a practical approach -- budget language that would create a new position in Virginia government to coordinate and strengthen the work against biased policing. However, during a General Assembly short session dominated by transportation funding issues, these funds were not appropriated.

This fall, diverse statewide and community organizations wrote to Governor Kaine asking him to put this position in his 2008-2010 budget. He did not do so, but Senator Stolle once again introduced the budget amendment, and he has gained support from Senator Henry Marsh, who succeeded him as Chair of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee. In addition, Delegate Onzlee Ware has introduced the same budget amendment in the House of Delegates. It is awaiting action from the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees.

On another issue, since 2002, VOP has proposed data collection on all traffic stops as a means of evaluating Virginia’s problem with biased policing. Due to resistance from law enforcement, this has not happened. We are in conversation with Governor Kaine’s administration about requiring the Virginia State Police to collect this information. The State Police agencies in 20 states collect this data, and Virginians deserve the same accountability. We have met with high-ranking officials in the Kaine administration and in the Virginia State Police, and we will continue to press this issue after the General Assembly is over.

VOP Statewide Racial Profiling Campaign Staff
Larry Yates, llyates@shentel.net, (540) 436 3432
Richael Faithful, faithful@virginia-organizing.org, (757) 784-6046
www.virginia-organizing.org