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Councilwoman cites traffic-stop data and presses for civilian review board; attorney to study authority
Summary
Councilwoman Hawkins presented a six-month traffic-stop analysis showing 1,235 stops (810 Black, 362 White) and urged council to create a civilian review board to examine racial disparities; town attorney said the town likely has authority but needs legal research on structure and powers.
During the Winterville Town Council's Jan. 12 meeting, Councilwoman Hawkins urged the council to pursue a citizen (civilian) review board to address racial disparities in traffic enforcement and restore public trust.
Hawkins said she requested a six-month report covering June 15 to Nov. 15 and that it showed 1,235 traffic stops in that period; "Black people were stopped 810 times," she said, "White people were stopped 362 times," which she characterized as a disparity given town demographics. She told the council the purpose of a civilian review board would be to bring transparency, identify patterns, benchmark stops and recommend reforms.
Town Attorney King Lassiter told the council the town probably has the legal authority to establish a review board but that he has not previously drafted one and would need to research the appropriate structure and statutory limitations. "Yes," Lassiter said when asked whether the town has authority, but he added he would return with options on scope, authority and drafting suggestions.
Hawkins said she will continue compiling evidence and bringing the item back to council until a workable oversight mechanism is in place. No formal ordinance or resolution was proposed at the meeting; the attorney's review was the next procedural step identified on the record.
Council members asked for clarity on the underlying data and process for review; Hawkins said she would continue presenting further analysis in future meetings.
