Statement of Racial Profiling
During the 77th Texas Legislative Session. Senate Bill 1074 was successfully passed. This bill was designed to address a growing concern regarding the practice of racial profiling in the law enforcement profession. Specifically, this bill mandates that police agencies in the state of Texas shall implement a policy that complies with Section 1, Articles 2.131, 2.133 and 2. 134, of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, by no later than January 1, 2002. As such, The University of Texas at El Paso PD (UTEP PD) has instituted a policy that addresses racial profiling and provides a complaint process for those who believe they have been stopped or searched based on racial, ethnic, or national origin profiling.
Two of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the United States and Texas constitutions are equal protection under the law and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents. The right of all persons to be treated equally and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures must be respected. Racial Profiling is an unacceptable patrol tactic and will not be condoned.
It is the practice of UTEP PD to police in a proactive and responsible manner and to enforce state and federal laws without regard to race, ethnicity or national origin. All University of Texas at El Paso police officers are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner when dealing with the public.
The UTEP Police Department will accept complaints from any person who believes he or she has been stopped or searched based on racial, ethnic or national origin profiling.
Compliments or Complaints should be directed to the UTEP Police Department on-duty shift supervisor at (915) 747-5611. All complaints will be investigated in a thorough and timely manner. In addition, compliments or complaints may be reported to the University Police Department located at 3118 Sun Bowl Drive, El Paso, Texas 79968.
Information regarding the Racial Profiling Policy for UT System Police is available at: ODOP Policy 201