Ending non-public-safety traffic stops in Ramsey County, MN

In September 2021, Ramsey County (MN) law enforcement leaders announced they would reduce minor, non-public safety traffic stops to reduce racial inequities, engender community trust, and better prioritize the use of law enforcement resources. Justice Innovation Lab partnered with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO) in April 2022 to study the impact of this policy change.

JIL’s analysis found that the new traffic stop policy successfully reduced minor, non-safety-related vehicle violation stops, that this reduction narrowed racial differences in traffic stops and searches, and that the policy had no discernible effect on public safety.

In March 2024, RCAO released a video, “Creating Safety Through Trust: Ending Non-Public-Safety Traffic Stops in Ramsey County,” -- produced by award-winning filmmaker Norah Shapiro -- explaining this work. JIL's Founder and Executive Director Jared Fishman is featured in this film.

The 8-minute video tells the story of how partners in Ramsey County greatly reduced low-level equipment traffic stops, and related racial disparities, through a collaborative change process, from the point of view of local law enforcement leaders and community members.