A random check of traffic citations doesn’t support claims of racial profiling by Eunice police.

Responding to a public records request by eunicetoday.com, the department provided citations written on July 15-18.

Release of the record was delayed by the time necessary to eliminate Social Security numbers from the materials provided.

It has been alleged that officers are stopping an inordinate number of young black males without cause.

If it is so, it is not reflected in citations reviewed by The Eunice News.

Sixty-four traffic stops resulting in 115 tickets were made in the time frame studied.

Records indicate the stops were made in all sections of the city.

Those stops are in addition to the ones which resulted in no tickets or in warnings or reminders to the drivers.

Of the 64 drivers, 41 were male and 23 female.

Of the 41 male, 21 were black and 20 were white.

Of the 26 female, 9 were black and 14 were white.

Citations issues included:

Illegal tinted windshield or side windows, 22;

Speeding, 13;

Ran stop sign or red light, 14;

No driver’s license or none in possession, 8;

No proof of insurance, 5;

Headlight or tail light not working, 7;

Open container in vehicle, 4;

Expired license plate, temporary tag misuse, expired inspection sticker, no registration, cracked windshield, 8;

Unnecessary noise, illegal exhaust, seat belt, obstruction of roadway, reckless driving, no child restraint, 8.

The tickets records request was made without prior notice to or knowledge by the Police Department.

It is merely a snapshot of police activity. As such it is not inclusive but does provide a record of how the police enforced traffic laws in a 72-hour period.