NY task force: Race is often a factor in police ‘friendly fire’ throughout US
By APThursday, May 27, 2010
Report: Race a factor in police ‘friendly fire’
NEW YORK — A task force finds race often is a factor in police “friendly fire,” including mishaps that have claimed officers’ lives.
It says 26 police officers were killed in the United States during the past 30 years by colleagues who mistook them for criminals. Many were “officers of color,” including 10 of the 14 killed since 1995.
Former U.S. Attorney Zachary W. Carter served as the New York task force’s vice chairman. He says the recommendations are aimed at “blunting” any unconscious racial bias.
Among other things, the task force recommends establishing protocols for off-duty conduct and increasing testing for racial bias among officers.
Information from: The New York Times, www.nytimes.com
