Racial Profiling

About Racial Profiling

A Peace Officer may not engage in racial profiling, Criminal Code of Procedure, Art. 2.132.    

The Lampasas Police Department is dedicated to providing the best quality police service to the citizens of Lampasas and to those who visit our city. We are committed to the principles of justice and equality and carefully select and train the best possible employees to support that commitment. To ensure employee understanding of the importance of fair and equal treatment to all the departmental policy strictly prohibits racial profiling and officers are required to attend training regarding racial profiling laws. 

Racial Profiling Defined

Racial profiling is defined by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure as a law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual' s race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual's behavior or on information identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity.

Recording and Statistics 

The Lampasas Police Department has mandated the use of mobile video and audio recording equipment for all police vehicles that are regularly used to make motor vehicle stops.Officers that operate vehicles and other Officers of the department also have body worn camera. The department policy archives the videos by policy for at least 90 days. Command staff randomly reviews these recordings to ensure that officers are complying with department policies. 

The Lampasas Police Department collects statistical data from citations and warnings regarding racial profiling as required by Legislature and by policy. This information is then compiled, analyzed, and submitted to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. A Racial Profiling report is presented annually to the City Council of Lampasas prior to March of every year. At this time the department provides public education about racial profiling.  

Questions or Complaints

Questions or complaints of racial profiling, as with other complaints against department personnel, may be lodged with Chief of Police Jody Cummings or with any supervisor in the Police Department. Initial complaints may also be made by phone, the internet, or in person at the Lampasas Police Department. Lampasas Police Department, 301 East 4th Street, Lampasas, Texas 76550. Department Administrative phone line (512) 556-3645. Department email: lampasaspd@cityoflampasas.com .

Brochures against Racial Profiling and the complaint process can be found in the lobby of the Lampasas Police Department.

In accordance with Texas Government Code 614.022 to be considered by the Chief of Police for disciplinary action the complaint must be (1) in writing, and (2) signed by the person making the complaint. A copy of the signed complaint will be given to the Officer or employee as disciplinary action may not be taken against the officer or employee unless a copy of the signed complaint is given to the Officer or employee within a reasonable time after the complaint is filed.Texas Government Code 614.023

Criminal Charges may be filed if a person with intent to deceive intentionally files a false complaint.