The lawsuit, filed Wednesday against the city and its officials, is against the Driving Equity Law, which prohibits police officers from pulling over drivers for secondary violations to prevent racial disparities.
the first-of-its-kind bill, and Mayor Jim Kenney signed it into law in November.
It bans officers from pulling over vehicles based on traffic violations that are considered "secondary violations" in an effort to prevent racial disparities in traffic incidents handled by police. Vehicle not registered within sixty days of the observed infractionSingle brake light, headlight, running light, etc. not illuminatedUnlawful operation without evidence of emission inspectionFOB Lodge #5 President John McNesby said the law is dangerous.
McNesby had expressed concerns about the law before it was passed. In October, he told FOX 29 about the importance of traffic stops. "These stops, they lead to bigger things, they find guns, they find drugs, it leads to bigger things," he said. "Whether you're Black, whether you're white, whether you're Asian, whether you're Hispanic, obey the law. Get behind the wheel of a legally safe car and you'll be fine.
The union also argues the law is not needed due to existing regulations. "This measure is unnecessary and invalid because the City is already protected by the existing and lawful, . We simply ask the public the follow all traffic laws which are written to keep everyone safe," read a statement from the FOP.
City leaders who sponsored the bill say it will help put an end to traffic stops that promote discrimination and address tensions between police and communities caused by negative interactions.