Actions to take regarding allegations of racial profiling in the Bellaire Police Department is the subject of the fourth question in InstantnewsBellaire’s Q&A series with Bellaire City Council candidates.
We asked candidates:
In the wake of the Tolan shooting incident early this year, the Bellaire Police Department came under fire for alleged racial profiling. Do you believe changes need to be made at the Bellaire Police Department to address those concerns? If so, what changes would you like to see?
Here are the answers from the four candidates for Place 3 on the council. Scroll to the bottom for information on the procedures of this Q&A.
Corbett Parker
Corbett Daniel Parker
I am grateful for the great safety our police provide. Keeping Bellaire safe greatly contributes to our premium residential quality of life and high property values. However, allegations that our officers are engaging in racial profiling are serious and should not be opined on without having the facts. I have done much to analyze this issue including: participated in a police ride around; met with police department leadership; read complaint reporting procedures; discussed with council members, city staff, and residents; read the criminal and civil complaints in Tolan case; and consulted a Houston Councilmember who has addressed similar concerns with Houston’s fire department.
I am told that studies indicate Bellaire does not disproportionately give traffic tickets to minorities compared to the racial breakdown of drivers on Bellaire streets. Regardless, some residents remained concerned that they live in a community that is perceived as closed off to minorities. City council should work with police leadership to ensure we don’t live up to this negative perception. Current policies implemented include: video and audio recordings during every stop; complaints procedure flyer that is available in station lobby; and including racial profiling classes into training of new officers.
While these are important steps, WE CAN DO MORE BY:
(i) having written policy condemning racial profiling;
(ii) also compiling data on warnings issued. This data (along with complaints) should be analyzed regularly, with any irregularities indicating racial profiling behavior being investigated;
(iii) expanding communication with minority community before incidents occur; and
(iv) making minorities feel involved and be involved in community.
Police leadership must be praised for keeping Bellaire safe, and held accountable for ensuring we stay safe in a racially-blind manner.
Related to this, I recently led Diversifying Rotary Membership Conference for all 60 greater-Houston area clubs stressing the enriching qualities that diversity brings.
Roseann Rogers
Roseann Rogers
First of all, I commend every man and woman that protects our citizens in the city of Bellaire.
It is concerning whenever there is a shooting or an incident in our city, however council does not have a direct influence on matters like this. Of course, council has to monitor a situation if one should occur.
This is an internal affairs matter that is handled by the Bellaire Police department. We should support our law enforcement, because Bellaire is a safe and desirable place for all who contribute to our city.
Bellaire has always been an equal opportunity city. And, will continue to be. Bellaire is open to anyone who lives, works and contributes to our community.
Marie Anstead
Marie Anstead
I echoe the response of my colleagues Richard Franke and Will Hickman who copied me on their responses to you. I feel safe in Bellaire and have respect for the Bellaire Police Department and want to ensure that they have the resources they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
Richard Franke
Richard Franke
With all due respect to the press, I believe this is an inappropriate question since the legal proceedings related to the subject incident are unresolved. Hence, there will be no response.
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In this series, candidates receive questions twice per week and have 24 hours to respond with an answer that is less than 300 words long. The answers publish with no editing. Do you have a question for candidates about Bellaire issues? Please email it to agrant [at] instantnewsbellaire [dot] com.
