WASHINGTON, November 26 (Sputnik) – A report showing that Rhode Island police arrest African Americans at disproportionate rates is lacking sufficient explanatory data, head of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association told Sputnik on Wednesday.
"I think there are a number of potential factors that could impact the disparity and there is not enough information offered to diagnose what those specific factors are," Chief of Police Elwood M. Johnson, Jr. said.
As an example of where the statistics could be misleading, Johnson pointed to South Kingstown, where African-Americans were arrested at rates 9 times higher than those of a different race. South Kingstown is heavily traveled by non-residents, including tourists and university students, which could impact percentages. Johnson also emphasized that Rhode Island police have for years worked to proactively address racial inequalities.
"Our Rhode Island police departments have worked collaboratively with community partners for several years on concerns that include race relations and improved training curriculums that includes cultural diversity, and impartial policing," the chief explained.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island said the reported disparity in the state's arrest rates could foster racial tensions, similar to those in Ferguson. In August, Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African-American, was shot dead by white police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. A grand jury decision on Monday not to indict Wilson sparked protests that riot police responded to with tear gas, batons and flash grenades.
