There's no question that the Black Lives Matter movement has brought the issue of racial profiling by police to the forefront.

In an effort to better understand and address the issue, the Cheyenne Police Department is analyzing its policing behavior to make sure it's not bias-based.

In 2015, all CPD members attended a mandatory training on cultural diversity, which included a review of the department's policy prohibiting bias-based policing.

Chief Brian Kozak says data shows that the department's pattern of enforcement is consistent with the racial demographics of the city.

Race demographics as recorded on the 9,150 citations issued in 2015:
White 78%
Ethnicity of Hispanic 15%
Black 5%
American Indian 1%
Asian 1%

Race demographics as recorded on the 218 incidents of police force with resisting suspects:
White 71%
Ethnicity of Hispanic 17%
Black 7%
American Indian 4%
Asian 1%

2010 US Census:
White 78%
Ethnicity of Hispanic 15%
Black 3%
American Indian 1%
Asian 2%

"The data shows that we are an equal opportunity police agency," said Kozak. "We are doing it right."

Kozak added, "The key to improving the perceptions about bias-based policing is for law enforcement agencies to develop mutual trust between, and respect for, the communities they serve."

Kozak encourages community members wanting to learn more about police practices to join the department's Citizens Advisory Committee. Anyone interested can contact Kozak at (307) 637-6521 or visit cheyennepd.org/cac.

Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
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