Rather than more studies, CCJJ should carry out its responsibility of assuring its grantees are in compliance with applicable civil rights regulations by monitoring and auditing law enforcement agencies and courts as part of their contract requirements. CCJJ is the main agency citizens depend on to ensure their civil rights are protected in the state's criminal justice system, especially where federal dollars are used. Canceling contracts by CCJJ with grantees should be an option where there is compliance failure. That would do more to eliminate racial profiling and discrimination. It appears CCJJ has limited its compliance responsibilities to merely seeing that all grantees signed the contract indicating they will comply with all applicable federal laws. Trust, but verify.

Federal regulations regarding civil rights laws call for the grantees to have a written nondiscrimination policy, a dissemination plan, a method for enforcing the policy and a grievance procedure where complaints can be filed without retaliation. Rather than more studies that do not eliminate the question of racial profiling, CCJJ would best serve by providing technical assistance to its grantees in developing sound civil rights policies and practices, and then hold the grantees accountable by monitoring implementation of those policies. That would allow responsible officials, such as police chiefs, to implement policies that would eliminate discrimination and assure the public's trust. Given the frenzy over immigration, it is critical CCJJ enforce the civil rights section of the federal contracts it is responsible to administer. Putting it in the book is not enough.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net