FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: nreigelm@pahouse.net	State Rep. Harold James D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/james

Rep. James wants state and local police to eliminate racial profiling

HARRISBURG, April 5 – State Rep. Harold James is reintroducing two bills aimed at reducing the likelihood that police officers in Pennsylvania use racial profiling.

James’ first bill (H.B. 1039) would require the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission to require municipal police to receive training in the prevention of racial profiling. His second bill (H.B. 1041) would require the commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police to require members of the state police to receive training in the prevention of racial profiling in traffic stops.

“Racial profiling is a problem across the country, but I believe by training our law enforcement officers in how to prevent profiling of this nature we can maintain safety in our neighborhoods while employing fair and just enforcement tactics,” James said.

James, a retired Philadelphia police officer, said he is optimistic that his bills will receive more attention this session than in past years due to Democratic control of the state House.

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