Introduction / by Theodore M. Shaw
I. Report summary
II. Background
III. Ferguson law enforcement efforts are focused on generating revenue
IV. Ferguson law enforcement practices violate the law and undermine community trust, especially among African Americans. A. Ferguson's police practices. 1. FPD engages in a pattern of unconstitutional stops and arrests in violation of the Fourth Amendment ; 2. FPD engages in a pattern of First Amendment violations ; 3. FPD engages in a pattern of excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment
B. Ferguson's municipal court practices. 1. Court practices impose substantial and unnecessary barriers to the challenge or resolution of municipal code violations ; 2. The court imposes unduly harsh penalties for missed payments or appearances
C. Ferguson law enforcement practices disproportionately harm Ferguson's African-American residents and are driven in part by racial bias. 1. Ferguson's law enforcement actions impose a disparate impact on African Americans that violates federal law ; 2. Ferguson's law enforcement practices are motivated in part by discriminatory intent in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and other federal laws
D. Ferguson law enforcement practices erode community trust, especially among Ferguson's African-American residents, and make policing less effective, more difficult, and less safe. 1. Ferguson's unlawful police and court practices have led to distrust and resentment among many in Ferguson ; 2. FPD's exercise of discretion, even when lawful, often undermines community trust and public safety ; 3. FPD's failure to respond to complaints of officer misconduct further erodes community trust ; 4. FPD's lack of community engagement increases the likelihood of discriminatory policing and damages public trust ; 5. Ferguson's lack of a diverse police force further undermines community trust
V. Changes necessary to remedy Ferguson's unlawful law enforcement practices and repair community trust
VI. Conclusion.