Data Suggests Connecticut Cops Stop Minority Drivers At Higher Rate

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP)  -- New data suggests Connecticut police pull over black and Hispanic drivers at disproportionate rates when compared with population numbers

State officials, however, caution the reasons aren't clear.

Between October and April police officers statewide made nearly 304,000 traffic stops. About 14 percent of the stops involved black drivers and 12 percent involved Hispanics.

Census figures show that nearly 8 percent of Connecticut residents old enough to drive are black and 9.7 percent are Hispanic.

The new numbers were compiled by researchers at Central Connecticut State University under a revamped state law designed to prevent racial profiling by police.

State officials said it's too early to draw conclusions from the numbers.

Traffic stop data from all 106 police agencies in the state are expected to be released next month.

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