CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The ACLU says there has been an astronomical increase in the number of traffic stops by Chicago police.
Chicago police made 489,000 traffic stops last year – up 200,00 from the year before.
That's according to data CPD is required to collect and share with the state.
ACLU of Illinois police practices project director Karen Sheley said often minor infractions are used to push for further searches. The civil liberties group says about 86 percent of those pulled over are minorities.
That can really erode trust that African-Americans and Latinos have in the police department, she said.
A spokesman says the police department is committed to working with the ACLU to investigate police stops and make sure all residents are treated fairly.
"A higher number of police officers are deployed to high crime areas in Chicago. Given the level of violent crime on the South and West sides, there are higher numbers of enforcement missions," Anthony Guglielmi said.
Chicago police have recovered 10,000 guns this year -- many from traffic stops.





