Racial profiling in a DMPD traffic stop
All people — whether black, brown, immigrants, or lifelong Iowans — deserve dignity and respect. All people deserve to live without the fear of being stopped by the police solely because of the color of their skin.But racial profiling happens far too often, and it has lasting and damaging consequences on our communities.Watch this video of a July 15 traffic stop in Des Moines and add your name to the petition to end the DMPD's practice of racial profiling.It's clear to us that the officer was determined to find a reason to arrest these young black men.It's easy to see how an unwarranted traffic stop like this could've easily escalated into violence or an unnecessary arrest.We’re working to change that here in Des Moines, and create transparent avenues for individuals to hold our public servants accountable.