The Mayor of Portland Announces Changes to Small Traffic Stops

In Oregon’s largest city, the police are changing it and taking preventive measures that directly affect Portland’s black communities. If you are a resident or just visiting, you will not have to worry about being stopped due to “black driving”. Today, the city’s mayor Ted Wheeler announced, Portland It is recommended that the police no longer pursue low-level traffic violations, according to Associated Press NewsSome traffic violations include expired license plates and broken headlights. The only reason that officials will pursue these types of incidents is if there is a direct security threat.

We all know the importance of consent, and so does Mayor Wheeler. In addition, for the new changes, the report states that the police must obtain record consent before searching any vehicles. The police officer must clearly inform the driver that if they are stopped, they have the right to refuse the search. Mayor Wheeler decided to make these major changes to refocus attention on the immediate threat because the data reference has a disproportionate impact on black drivers during traffic parking and vehicle searches. Although only 6% of the city’s residents are black, they account for 18% of all transit stations in Portland.

“The goal of these two changes is to make our safety safer and fairer,” Mayor Wheeler explained. In addition, Mayor Wheeler pointed out that another reason for the changes was the limited personnel and resources of the police department. He said that there are not enough people on the street. Currently, the Portland Police Department is struggling, and its staffing has reached its lowest level in decades.

In the past nine months alone, the staff of this department has been replaced rapidly, with more than 120 staff leaving. Just last week, more than 50 police officers resigned. Many people say the low morale and burnout of racial justice protests are the cause.

Roommates, do you think these changes are correct?