Alamance County is expected to respond to the US Department of justice today, following the findings of an investigation and alleged racial profiling by the Sheriff's Department.
At a County Commissioners meeting Monday night there was a closed door session for about 30 minutes. Commissioner Tim Sutton declined to do a recorded interview but said earlier in the day he suspects the board to dispute the DOJ findings and ask for proof. The DOJ says the local Sheriff's Department targeted Latino drivers and installed illegal checkpoints in Latino neighborhoods while abusing its power as a county taking part in the controversial deportation program.
The Sheriff adamantly denied the allegations last week and demanded the names of the people his department has allegedly harassed. After last night's meeting, County Attorney Clyde Albright said he would respond to the Government regarding the findings by the end of today. The DOJ is asking the County to eliminate all overt discrimination, set up a complaint system and improve community outreach. The Sheriff maintains all that is unnecessary.
