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Arlington Police present annual racial profiling analysis: stops rise, complaints remain low
Summary
APD presented its annual racial profiling report to the City Council on Feb. 25, citing a nearly 30% increase in traffic stops (83,335 stops), that officers were unaware of drivers' race prior to 98% of stops, and that complaints alleging racial profiling were rare and largely unsubstantiated.
Al Jones, Chief of Police, and Deputy Chief Steve Williams presented the Arlington Police Department's annual racial profiling analysis to the City Council on Feb. 25, a report the department is required to deliver under state law.
Chief Al Jones said the report, prepared with an independent consultant, aims to provide transparency on traffic‑stop practices and department training. "This report...will show that our officers are effectively managing responsibilities while maintaining a positive community interaction," Jones said.
Key findings
- Volume of stops: APD conducted 83,335 traffic stops last year, a nearly 30% increase over the prior year, reflecting the department's renewed focus on traffic safety. - Race and pre‑stop knowledge: Deputy Chief Steve Williams said department analysis found that in 98% of stops officers did not know a driver's race or ethnicity prior to making the stop. - Complaints and investigations: APD received 59 complaints tied to stops; four were sustained for minor policy violations. Eight allegations of racial profiling were investigated by internal affairs and were unsubstantiated. - Search and contraband outcomes: The consultant's analysis showed that nearly half of searches resulted in contraband findings and that arrests followed discovery of contraband in roughly 85% of those cases across the department's largest racial/ethnic groups. Williams said most searches were based on probable cause.
Legal and procedural context
Williams reviewed legal standards (reasonable suspicion, probable cause) and explained that APD collects stop details beyond state requirements, including search type, whether consent or probable cause was cited, force use, and contraband findings. The department said it exceeds state mandates, uses body‑worn cameras and conducts supervisory audits and quarterly independent audits by a consultant, and that the report is published on the department website.
Access and outreach
Councilmember Odom Wesley asked where the public can view the report; Williams said the department's website hosts the annual analysis and that staff will present to outside groups upon request.
Ending: The department concluded the briefing inviting questions and noting the report's role in transparency and community trust.
