The Boston Coalition for Police Accountability is seeking changes at the Boston Police Department following an ACLU's blistering report of racial bias during police street encounters with blacks in the city.
The ACLU report released earlier this week shows between 2007 and 2010 there was widespread racial bias toward blacks during police field Interrogation stops or what coalition members are calling, "stop and frisk" practices.
Jason Lydon is a community minister and member of the coalition, which he says is made up of 35 groups and individuals, including parents who have lost children to police violence and youth who have faced harassment and discrimination.
Lydon and about 150 group members held a rally outside the Boston Police Department Headquarters at One Schroder Plaza Thursday night. He says they're seeking department policy changes to ensure fair, equal, and effective police enforcement.
The Boston Police Department had no comment on the Coalition's demands. Earlier in the week, the Boston Police Department posted on its website the ACLU study is based on outdated data and does not reflect changes undertaken since 2011.
The coalition disputes the claim. Access to newer, updated data within the department has been requested.
Morning Edition host Bob Seay delved deeper into the issue of racism with Yvette Modestin, Founder and Executive Director of Encuentro Diaspora Afro in New England.
WGBH's Basic Black program this week will explore the health and policing of communities of color. Friday, Oct. 10 @ 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11 @ 11 p.m., and Sun. Oct. 12 @8:30 a.m.
