ACLU calls on Cranston police to end traffic stop quota

Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael Winquist. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — A civil liberties organization on Monday called on a Rhode Island city to halt what it says is an illegal traffic stop quota by its police department.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island said the Cranston Police Department requires officers to stop a minimum of two cars during their patrol shifts.

The ACLU says the policy has contributed to racial profiling in the city.

Police Chief Michael Winquist confirmed the long standing traffic stop policy but stressed there’s no requirement that an officer issue two traffic tickets per shift, which would violate the state law banning ticket quotas.