Racial Disparities in NYPD Vehicle Searches Exposed, Lawsuit Alleges Systemic Injustice
A new lawsuit has shed light on the New York City Police Department's (NYPD) disproportionate targeting of Black and Latino drivers for vehicle searches, a practice eerily reminiscent of the discredited "stop-and-frisk" policy that plagued the city during Mayor Michael Bloomberg's tenure.
According to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, the NYPD's motor vehicle searches more than doubled under Mayor Eric Adams' term, with Black and Latino drivers making up 84% of the searches between 2022 and September 2025. In contrast, white motorists accounted for less than 4%. The vast majority of these searches were conducted without a legally justifiable basis for enforcement.
Critics argue that this practice constitutes "stop-and-frisk on wheels," perpetuating systemic racism and infringing upon the constitutional rights of Black and brown New Yorkers. Daniel Lambright, senior counsel for criminal justice litigation at NYCLU, condemned the NYPD's actions, stating that far too many Black and Latino drivers are treated like criminals during routine traffic stops simply because of their skin color.
The lawsuit also reveals disturbing disparities in police behavior across different precincts and neighborhoods. Vehicle searches were conducted at higher rates in predominantly Black and Latino areas, even when controlling for crime statistics.
While the NYPD claims to be targeting specific hotspots where crimes have been reported, the data paints a stark picture of discriminatory policing practices. According to the complaint, over 96% of vehicle searches did not result in an arrest for criminal possession of a firearm – yet this practice persists under Adams' leadership.
The lawsuit demands an end to these alleged unlawful conduct, requires the NYPD to establish "appropriate standards," and seeks compensation for the plaintiffs, including money damages and attorney fees. As NYCLU's executive director Donna Lieberman noted, stop-and-frisk has not disappeared; it simply evolved into a more insidious form of policing.
As this lawsuit continues to unfold, concerns about systemic racism and police accountability in New York City persist. It remains to be seen whether the NYPD will take concrete steps to address these disparities and uphold the rights of all citizens.
A new lawsuit has shed light on the New York City Police Department's (NYPD) disproportionate targeting of Black and Latino drivers for vehicle searches, a practice eerily reminiscent of the discredited "stop-and-frisk" policy that plagued the city during Mayor Michael Bloomberg's tenure.
According to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, the NYPD's motor vehicle searches more than doubled under Mayor Eric Adams' term, with Black and Latino drivers making up 84% of the searches between 2022 and September 2025. In contrast, white motorists accounted for less than 4%. The vast majority of these searches were conducted without a legally justifiable basis for enforcement.
Critics argue that this practice constitutes "stop-and-frisk on wheels," perpetuating systemic racism and infringing upon the constitutional rights of Black and brown New Yorkers. Daniel Lambright, senior counsel for criminal justice litigation at NYCLU, condemned the NYPD's actions, stating that far too many Black and Latino drivers are treated like criminals during routine traffic stops simply because of their skin color.
The lawsuit also reveals disturbing disparities in police behavior across different precincts and neighborhoods. Vehicle searches were conducted at higher rates in predominantly Black and Latino areas, even when controlling for crime statistics.
While the NYPD claims to be targeting specific hotspots where crimes have been reported, the data paints a stark picture of discriminatory policing practices. According to the complaint, over 96% of vehicle searches did not result in an arrest for criminal possession of a firearm – yet this practice persists under Adams' leadership.
The lawsuit demands an end to these alleged unlawful conduct, requires the NYPD to establish "appropriate standards," and seeks compensation for the plaintiffs, including money damages and attorney fees. As NYCLU's executive director Donna Lieberman noted, stop-and-frisk has not disappeared; it simply evolved into a more insidious form of policing.
As this lawsuit continues to unfold, concerns about systemic racism and police accountability in New York City persist. It remains to be seen whether the NYPD will take concrete steps to address these disparities and uphold the rights of all citizens.
I mean, can't believe how messed up the system is even after all the "reforms" 
. Like, come on @NYPD, you're still getting it so wrong! 
84% of vehicle searches targeting Black and Latino drivers? That's not just a coincidence, that's systemic racism plain and simple 
. And what really grinds my gears is that the data shows these practices are happening in areas with low crime rates... like, what's next? 
. That's just a fancy way of saying they're still profiling based on skin color 
. I'm not saying the lawsuit is unfounded or anything, but it feels like they're just trying to cover their own behinds instead of actually addressing the issue 
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. Maybe someone at the top will finally wake up and realize what's been going on under our noses 
. Until then, I'll just be over here 
I mean, 84% of searches were for black and latinos? that sounds suspiciously like a coincidence to me 
. what if the NYPD actually is doing something right here for once? maybe they're targeting areas with higher crime stats? 
and whats with all this "stop-and-frisk on wheels" business? its just another case of people being too quick to assume racism 
anyone else think that's a bit suspicious? and what's going on with the NYPD not being transparent about their methods? shouldn't they be able to explain why these disparities are happening? 
... it's like, we've been over this stop-and-frisk thing already, but I guess some things never change, right? 
I mean, it's crazy that they're targeting Black and Latino drivers at such high rates. It just feels like a modern-day echo of the old NYPD policies that were all over the news back in the day 
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I'm like 99% sure that's not an isolated incident, you know? There's some deep-seated systemic issues at play here and it's only gonna come out when there are massive public outcry 
. Can we please get more info about what specific "hotspots" the NYPD is referring to? Sounds like they're just using that as a smokescreen 
. And what about all these white people who got searched too? I don't see them getting the same treatment...
the stats are wild - 84% of searches were for black and latino drivers 
. police say theyre targeting specific hotspots, but whats really goin on? 
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. They can't just keep going on about "targeting hotspots" when it's really just a cover for systemic racism 
. They need to establish some actual standards and start treating everyone equally, not just some groups more than others 
. We deserve better from our police department! 
like, can't they see that's racist? and those stats are wild too... 84% of Black/Latino drivers getting searched? that's basically a recipe for trouble. i'm all about holding ppl in power accountable but this is just plain unjust 
. I mean, if the city was actually trying to reduce crime, wouldn't they be looking at all areas not just ones with high crime rates? 
. We need real reform and not just lip service from the NYPD... it's time for accountability 
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it feels like they're still stuck in the 90s with stop-and-frisk, but now on wheels 
The idea of "stop-and-frisk on wheels" is literally the worst thing I've ever heard. How can you just give someone a reason to stop their car? That's not police work, that's harassment.
And the worst part is, they're still trying to spin this as some kind of targeted enforcement strategy. Give me a break. This is just more proof that the NYPD can't be trusted with our city's safety and justice. 
. It's a harsh reminder that racism is still deeply ingrained in our society and we need to keep pushing for change.
. How can we trust our law enforcement agencies when they're perpetuating a system that disproportionately affects certain communities? It's time for us to listen to the voices of those who've been marginalized and work towards creating real change 
. this can't just be swept under the rug 
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Can you even believe that 84% of those searches were people of color? It's like they're being treated as suspects instead of drivers who deserve basic respect 
And what really gets me is how the data shows that these searches are happening more often in neighborhoods where crime rates aren't that high... it's just not fair 
I'm tired of seein' these discriminatory practices exposed. Can't we get a police department that doesn't make everyone feel like they're bein' targeted just 'cause of their skin color? 
stop-and-frisk on wheels is not cool anymore btw 