New York City Police Department's Racially Biased Vehicle Searches Exposed in Lawsuit
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been accused of conducting an unjustified surge in vehicle searches, disproportionately targeting Black and Latino drivers under Mayor Eric Adams' tenure. A new lawsuit claims that these searches are often based on racial profiling, with Black and Latino drivers making up 84% of the searches between 2022 and September 2025.
The lawsuit, filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), the Bronx Defenders, and Milbank LLP, alleges that the NYPD's practice is a continuation of the discredited "stop-and-frisk" policy, which was famously challenged in court. The complaint argues that far too many Black and Latino drivers are treated like criminals when their vehicles are searched during routine traffic stops, solely because of the color of their skin.
According to the lawsuit, vehicle searches more than doubled under Mayor Adams, rising from 13,340 in 2022 to 28,416 in 2024. The NYPD sends more officers to areas with high crime rates and resident complaints, resulting in increased enforcement. However, the vast majority of these searches do not result in charges or arrests.
The lawsuit cites examples of Black New Yorkers whose vehicles were searched multiple times without any contraband found. In one case, a man named Christopher Oliver was searched four times in two years, despite not consenting to each search and no evidence being discovered.
Experts say that the disparities in vehicle searches persist across the city and are even higher in Black and Latino neighborhoods, even when controlling for crime rates. The complaint argues that these practices amount to racial profiling and demand an end to what it calls "stop-and-frisk on wheels."
In response to the lawsuit, NYPD officials claimed that increased enforcement is necessary to address rising crime rates. However, critics argue that such tactics are a continuation of systemic racism and violate civil rights.
This case raises concerns about police accountability and the need for meaningful reforms in policing practices. As Judge Shira A. Scheindlin once noted about stop-and-frisk, "it has not disappeared, it's simply shifted." The lawsuit demands an end to these racially biased practices and seeks justice for those affected by them.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been accused of conducting an unjustified surge in vehicle searches, disproportionately targeting Black and Latino drivers under Mayor Eric Adams' tenure. A new lawsuit claims that these searches are often based on racial profiling, with Black and Latino drivers making up 84% of the searches between 2022 and September 2025.
The lawsuit, filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), the Bronx Defenders, and Milbank LLP, alleges that the NYPD's practice is a continuation of the discredited "stop-and-frisk" policy, which was famously challenged in court. The complaint argues that far too many Black and Latino drivers are treated like criminals when their vehicles are searched during routine traffic stops, solely because of the color of their skin.
According to the lawsuit, vehicle searches more than doubled under Mayor Adams, rising from 13,340 in 2022 to 28,416 in 2024. The NYPD sends more officers to areas with high crime rates and resident complaints, resulting in increased enforcement. However, the vast majority of these searches do not result in charges or arrests.
The lawsuit cites examples of Black New Yorkers whose vehicles were searched multiple times without any contraband found. In one case, a man named Christopher Oliver was searched four times in two years, despite not consenting to each search and no evidence being discovered.
Experts say that the disparities in vehicle searches persist across the city and are even higher in Black and Latino neighborhoods, even when controlling for crime rates. The complaint argues that these practices amount to racial profiling and demand an end to what it calls "stop-and-frisk on wheels."
In response to the lawsuit, NYPD officials claimed that increased enforcement is necessary to address rising crime rates. However, critics argue that such tactics are a continuation of systemic racism and violate civil rights.
This case raises concerns about police accountability and the need for meaningful reforms in policing practices. As Judge Shira A. Scheindlin once noted about stop-and-frisk, "it has not disappeared, it's simply shifted." The lawsuit demands an end to these racially biased practices and seeks justice for those affected by them.
I'm so worried about this! It's like they're targeting Black and Latino drivers just because of their skin color 
. How many times can we keep saying that police searches shouldn't be based on racial profiling? 
The numbers are crazy, like 84% of the searches are happening to people who are Black or Latino! 
What's going on with this city? Can't they see how unfair it is to treat people differently just because of where they live? 
I'm all for keeping our streets safe, but we need to do it in a way that respects everyone's rights. 
! I've had friends who have been stopped multiple times while driving, just because of the color of their skin... it's wild that they're being treated like criminals just 'cause they're from a certain neighborhood. The stats are crazy too - 84% of searches going to Black and Latino drivers? That's not right! 
.
. The stats are staggering - 84% of searches going on Black and Latino drivers? That's just not right. I wish there was more accountability for these cops and their actions... it seems like they're above the law 
. It's about time we held our law enforcement accountable for their actions and made sure these practices don't target innocent people based on the color of their skin 
!
no one deserves to be treated like a criminal because of their skin color. the fact that they're searching more officers in high crime areas is not a solution, it's just another way to keep communities of colour in check 
. and what's up with all these repeated searches without any evidence? that's just harassment 
it's time for those in power to take a hard look at themselves and make some real changes. we need more accountability and less systemic racism 
They're basically doing the same thing as stop-and-frisk but in cars 
We need to see some real change here 
The fact that they're saying it's for safety reasons but not actually finding anything on most of these searches is just red flag 
, like we all knew this was a thing but now it's on paper 
. Racially biassed vehicle searches? That's just basic 
. I'm talking 84% of Black and Latino drivers being targeted... what even is that? 
We need to get to the bottom of this, make some noise 
, and demand change. The NYPD needs to step up their game and get those cars searched based on actual reasons, not just 'cause they're from the hood 
... we need an end to it once and for all 
.