Decreasing Non-Public-Safety Traffic Stops | Ramsey County, Minnesota

Ramsey County’s “Lights On!” program increases public safety and improves trust in law enforcement while reducing unnecessary traffic stops

Are equipment-related traffic stops necessary for enforcing public safety? In Ramsey County, Minnesota, law enforcement and prosecution leaders are making an important, community-informed shift to prioritize public safety and increase public trust. They noticed that traffic stops disproportionately affect people of color, while equipment violations are often unintentional. Through the “Lights On!” program, officers are no longer stopping cars for equipment violations. Instead, a community outreach coordinator helps people get the violations fixed for free.

“Lights On!” shows remarkable success so far, with shootings down, firearms recoveries up, and more resources dedicated to higher crime areas.

In this new video, LEL member Police Chief Axel Henry of Saint Paul, MN joins policing representatives from around the county to explain why this program, which reduces unnecessary traffic stops and arrests, helps improve public safety and build trust. The video was produced in collaboration with various police departments and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation with the assistance of LEL member John Choi, the Ramsey County Attorney.

LEL is proud to cosponsor this video with the National Policing Institute.

For more information, check out Ramsey County’s website.