New data shows black drivers pulled over far more than white drivers

Missouri civil rights groups are calling for a change in leadership following nearly two decades of data showing black drivers are disproportionately pulled over in the state.

New data from the Attorney General’s Office show black drivers were 95% more likely to be stopped by police than white drivers in Missouri. That’s the highest disparity between stops of black and white drivers since the state began collecting data two decades ago.

The state’s vehicle stops report also shows black drivers were 36 percent more likely than white drivers to get arrested last year.

State statute gives the governor the power to freeze state funding to any law enforcement agency that does not take action to prevent biased policing.

A coalition including the ACLU of Missouri and a predominantly black St. Louis police union say they want new leaders to fight unfair policing practices.