Date: 08/18/2015
Final
Ethnic and Racial Profiling - Need for Data Collection
PROFILING INTERIM COMMITTEE
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09:44 AM -- Ethnic and Racial Profiling - Need for Data Collection
Representative Williams initiated a discussion about racial profiling in Colorado. Mr. Nick Mitchell, Independent Monitor, and Ms. Jennifer Fratello, Policy Director, Denver Office of the Independent Monitor, addressed the committee on the need to collect data pertaining to racial profiling. Mr. Fratello provided background on the function and mission of his office, and explained how the office handles data on potential instances of racial profiling. Mr. Mitchell responded to questions regarding the powers of the office to investigate specific instances of police conduct, and other jurisdictions besides Denver that have offices or mechanisms for oversight of police conduct.
09:55 AM
Discussion ensued regarding the history of racial profiling in Colorado, and the genesis of certain legislation seeking to address racial profiling. Ms. Fratello discussed issues associated with collecting data on racial profiling, and methods for tracking potential profiling incidents. Mr. Mitchell responded to further questions regarding other offices that may track profiling, and models for tracking such data. Mr. Mitchell responded to questions regarding the process by which he receives notices of complaints about police conduct. Discussion ensued regarding the process by which the Denver Office of the Independent Monitor handles complaints about racial profiling.
10:10 AM
Mr. Mitchell responded to questions regarding efforts undertaken, both by his office and at other levels, to repair relations between police departments and the community. Discussion ensued on this point.
10:12 AM
Ms. Denise Maes, Public Policy Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, addressed the issue of racial profiling by law enforcement in Colorado, and the need to collect data on profiling. Ms. Maes discussed findings and studies concerning racial profiling throughout the nation and locally, citing data on profiling and disproportionate treatment of minorities by law enforcement. Ms. Maes discussed the benefits of collecting data on ethnic and racial profiling. Ms. Maes responded to questions regarding how data on profiling is collected in other jurisdictions, and the disproportionate number of shootings involving law enforcement and minorities.
10:26 AM
Ms. Maes responded to questions regarding the need to update statutes that define profiling in Colorado.
10:29 AM
Ms. Lisa Calderon, Co-Chair, Colorado Latino Forum, Denver Chapter, addressed the need to collect data on racial and ethnic profiling by law enforcement in Colorado, discussing the profiling of her son by law enforcement. Ms. Calderon discussed the need to monitor complaints tied to law enforcement activity, and the benefits of examining data associated with potential racial and ethnic profiling.
Representative Salazar discussed issues regarding profiling, and thanked the witness. Ms. Calderon responded to a question regarding best practices for data collection, and stated that data and information should be available to the public in a central location.
10:41 AM
The committee recessed.
10:59 AM
The committee returned to order. Ms. Sondra Agnew-Young, President, NAACP Denver Branch, addressed the need to collect data on instances of ethnic and racial profiling in Colorado. Ms. Agnew-Young read a statement about this issue, and explained why data collection on racial profiling is beneficial.