To Anyone Concerned:
My family and I moved to the City of Gilbert, AZ in hopes to fulfill our dream of purchasing a beautiful home within a family oriented community at an affordable price.
Not too long ago while driving 40 mph in a 45 mph zone from home I was followed by a Gilbert Police Department patrol car for a lenght of time. I found this questionable as I was passed up by two vehicles including one white pick up truck with a camper that was accelerating at full throttle.
I knew something had to be wrong because I just pulled out from my bank's parking lot which is not too far from my home.
The officer pulled me over and walked up to my door. There was a pause and officer did not verbalize anything to me nor my passengers. I asked, "Sir, may I ask why I was pulled over." The officer replied, "Is this you car?" I responded, "yes, sir." The officer then said, "This car is not stolen, are you sure this is your car?" I was very shocked as well as my passengers were. I then asked, "Sir, may I ask why I was pulled over?" The officer responded, "I'll tell you once I have your driver's license."
So, I gave the officer my driver's license, registration and proof of insurance. The officer handed back the proof of insurance and said, "I don't need that." After a few moments the officer returned and handed me back my driver's license and said, "Well I pulled you over because I didn't see a temporary registration tag on your dealer plates." I was asked, "If I lived here, how long I plan on staying here and my personal relationship between I and the passengers." I then pointed towards the front of the car and said, "This is an out of state car and the registration is on the front." I was released.
Now, I had thought maybe this was an "Isolated" case until I started speaking with other African American's in the community. "Every" African American I had spoken to especially the men had the similar and in some instances worse encounters with some officers of the Gilbert Police Department.
Now, I have a degree in Criminal Justice and my father is a former police officer and it is unfortunate that this behavior still exists. Many African Americans and a few other non - hispanic minorities I've conversated with refuse to move to Gilbert and Queen Creek because of these practices not only by the local law enforcement but also by some places of business and the community.
It is hard for me to believe that in this day and age it still exists. The City of Gilbert may be rapidly growing as far as homes and realestate but not one it comes to growing the morales of equal opportunity for all regardless of race.
If you have had the same issues please post.
Thank you.
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