Category: Police Corruption

Historically, Philadelphia residents of color are pulled over for minor traffic violations more often than white residents.

Unreasonable searches and seizures are barred by US and Pennsylvania Constitutional law. In general, police officers have to get a warrant before conducting a search of an individual or their property (homes, cars, etc.).

Philadelphia has a well-documented problem with pre-textual traffic stops, i.e., when an officer stops a driver for a traffic violation and then extends the duration of the traffic stop to essentially conduct investigations about any potential criminal conduct under the sun.

Last year, several Philadelphia Police officers were acquitted of corruption charges by a federal jury. However, this month, 50 more Philadelphia criminal cases were tossed, despite the acquittals.

In the past few years, police departments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have come under increased scrutiny due to major police corruption scandals in Philadelphia and Camden.