Friday, October 31, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-14) released the following statement in response to Palo Alto Police Chief Lynne Johnson’s public comments regarding a directive she issued to officers to stop and question African-Americans in the community relative to the spike in street robberies.

“Using race as the only basis for criminal suspicion in the absence of any probable cause is not only unacceptable, it is unconstitutional and has no place in our community and our country. Chief Johnson’s comments send a destructive message which is harmful to our entire community and the directive she issued to the Department undermines civil liberties.

“Regardless of how Chief Johnson’s comments might be defended or explained, she has demonstrated a profound lack of judgment and leadership that should be demanded of a top law enforcement official.

“Chief Johnson should rescind her orders and her statements or resign.”

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