Plan proposed to reduce excessive traffic stops of Black, Brown motorists

A 2022 study found Black and Brown motorists are far more likely to be pulled over than white motorists. (Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file photo)

The Chicago Police Department was urged Monday to rein in so-called “pre-textual” traffic stops that disproportionately target Black and Hispanic motorists and exacerbate distrust by “fishing” without any actual reason to suspect criminal violations.

In July 2022, an annual study of traffic and pedestrian stops conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union concluded Chicago police targeted African Americans in 63% of traffic stops in 2021, though Black residents are less than 30% of the city’s population.