Biased and Racial Based Profiling Banned in NM

By KRWG Staff

Las Cruces, NM – Tuesday, Governor Bill Richardson signed legislation prohibiting racial and biased-based profiling by law enforcement officers.

The new law makes it illegal for law enforcement officers to investigate anyone relying solely on the person's race, ethnicity, color or national origin among a list of other things.

The proposal was sponsored by State Representative Nathan Cote, of Las Cruces. It also requires the Attorney General to establish independent procedures for investigating any complaints.

New Mexico is the 23rd state in the nation with a law banning biased-based profiling.

Several organizations including the NAACP and LULAC voiced their support for bill.