Houston Police End Traffic Stop Quotas

The Houston Police Department has ended its policy requiring officers to make at least one traffic stop per shift, a move led by Mayor John Whitmire and Police Chief Noe Diaz to align with best practices and promote fairness. This policy, established under a previous administration, disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic residents, with 2024 data showing Black drivers made up 34% of stops despite being 23% of Houston's population. Advocacy by city council members and community activists prompted the Houston City Council to pass an ordinance explicitly banning traffic stop quotas. The decision was supported by both the police chief and the police union, who emphasized a shift toward prioritizing serious crimes. Council members shared personal experiences to highlight the policy's impact, and experts noted that while stop quotas are now banned, citation quotas tied to financial incentives remain an ongoing concern. The change aims to reduce unnecessary stops and foster better relations between police and the public.