Home News 

Story

Daisy Lynum Accuses Police Of Racial Profiling

Posted: 6:48 am EDT June 29, 2006Updated: 12:11 pm EDT June 29, 2006

Orlando City Commissioner Daisy Lynum continued launching volleys about racial profiling against the city's police department.

At a meeting Wednesday night she again asked for residents to come forward with their stories of racial profiling.

Lynum admitted she can't control the police department, but she said she believes officers are trained to racially profile motorists. Wednesday night's public forum was staged around the topic of education. But Daisy Lynum continued her mission to root out what she called a culture of racial profiling within the Orlando Police Department.

“If the police department will not take your complaints, when you believe you've been racially profiled, I want you to call my office,” Lynum pleaded.

Lynum's comments go back to a situation her son ran into last month.

“Driving while black, looking for a reason to find a ticket. Then I'm clean so you have to let me go,” Juan Lynum said of an incident last month.

In May, an Orlando police officer pulled over Juan Lynum for a broken headlight, but wouldn't tell him why. Authorities said the stop was justified.

“Makes you feel you can't trust law enforcement. Now as a criminal defense attorney at age 30 I still have a fear of the police when I'm pulled over.”

Meantime, Daisy Lynum wants to have all police cars equipped with cameras and microphones. That, she said, would document how all traffic stops are handled.

“I'm very strong on law enforcement and I believe our department is a very good department. I think most of the problem comes out of fewer than the whole department,” added Lynum.

But Lynum said there is a culture within the OPD. The chief has said Lynum's comments are bad to the department, but did not ask for an apology.

Lynum is sponsoring another meeting next week. It is supposed to address racial profiling directly.

More Headlines

Make WFTV Your Power On

Did you ever turn your television off at night and notice the next morning that your set comes on to a different channel? You can set your cable box so that your TV comes on to the station you want. It's easy! Full Story ››
Step-By-Step Text Instructions


Click Picks
Video Clips
AP Photo/Peter Kramer
Heidi Klum and her post-baby body led the parade at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, which returned to New York with some fresh faces after four years on the road. View Images ››


Strange News Photos

From brilliant to bizarre, our 99-photo slideshow captures a variety of strange news. Photos are added often. Take A Look!

County-By-County News

Get Hyper-Local On WFTV.com

Visit our County-By-County section for the latest news headlines out of your county. » County-By-County

When you take videos or photos of Central Florida news or weather events, iWitness is your place to upload them. » iWitness

Visit your headquarters for county-by-county news and resources, and a place to share community videos and photos. » 9Central