In this article the topic of race is talked about when it comes to police traffic stops in Wilmington, NC. The article uses a recent traffic study from professors at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The results for the amount of traffic stops of drivers based on race is alarming with black drivers being two times more likely to be searched during a traffic stop than whites in Wilmington. Out of the 20 North Carolina cities used in the study Wilmington, NC ranked 2nd. The researchers have said that the purpose of this study is to call attention to the difference and to hopefully these statistics will start a change in the community. The Wilmington police department released a statement after the results of this study were released and said that the amount of traffic stops over the years have been decreasing. But although the amount is decreasing the amount of African American’s that are searched have been increasing over the years.
The results in this article seem to be shocking because I would not imagine such high numbers for the city that I reside in. In the midst of several police incidents with African Americans that have lead to injuries and deaths these statistics seem to increase police relations with citizens. As the enforcers of the law, I believe that the law has been misused and broken by several police officers who have taken advantage of the power that they are given. Police distrust has formed because those who are suppose to be protecting us are now the ones in the news for violating laws the are suppose to protect. The police distrust is increasing day by day as more incidents occur that give reason as to why citizens shouldn't trust police. This needs to stop because it is affecting so many innocent lives, and has increased government, mainly police distrust.
This relates to government because the issue of police relations with citizens continues to decline. The police department, which is a part of the enforcers of the law are on the opposite sides of the law now breaking the laws. People around the United States are now exercising their first amendment rights by speaking up for the what is currently happening in our country.
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