LA Activists Demand LAPD Limit Pretextual Traffic Stops

Activists claim the practice leads to 'racial disparities' in policing, despite its legal basis and crime prevention benefits.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:19am

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Activists in Los Angeles are demanding that the LAPD further limit its use of pretextual traffic stops, claiming the practice disproportionately impacts 'Black and Brown Angelenos.' However, LAPD officials argue the stops are legal, practical, and integral to preventing crime in the city.

Why it matters

Pretextual traffic stops have been upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court, but activists continue to frame the practice as a 'fishing expedition' that unfairly targets minorities. The LAPD's oversight board is now considering restrictions on the use of these stops despite the department's stance that they are an important crime prevention tool.

The details

The Push LA Coalition presented to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, arguing that pretextual stops, where officers use minor violations as a pretext to investigate other potential offenses, lead to 'racial disparities' in policing. However, LAPD Captain Shannon White pushed back, explaining the legality and practicality of the stops in preventing crime. When asked if the activists had examined the correlation between pretextual stops and crime rates, they admitted their analysis did not include that aspect.

  • The Push LA Coalition presented to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners on March 24, 2026.

The players

Push LA Coalition

A local activist group that is calling for 'divestment from punishment and criminalization' of 'Black and Brown Angelenos.'

LAPD Captain Shannon White

An LAPD official who defended the use of pretextual traffic stops, explaining their legality and importance in preventing crime.

Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners

The oversight board for the LAPD that heard the presentation from the Push LA Coalition and is now considering restrictions on pretextual traffic stops.

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What they’re saying

“If the City were to move forward with a stronger approach, it would help reduce racial disparities and disproportionate stops of black and brown folks.”

— Chauncee Smith, Activist

“On the surface, it can seem that these [traffic violations] are unimportant, that these are things that we can just let go or send somebody a letter. But we're ultimately challenging our officers to be proactive in preventing crime.”

— LAPD Captain Shannon White

What’s next

The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners will decide whether to impose further restrictions on the LAPD's use of pretextual traffic stops following the presentation from the Push LA Coalition.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement's use of effective crime prevention tactics and activists' concerns about potential racial disparities in policing. The LAPD must balance upholding the legality of pretextual stops with addressing community concerns about equitable treatment.