Trooper cleared of racial profiling charges by review panel

Quick update via the Freeps:

Vermont State Police Trooper Jared Hatch has been cleared by a citizens review panel for his actions during a vehicle stop on Interstate 89 in Middlesex last month that uncovered two immigrants that authorities say were in the country illegally.

…”Trooper Hatch’s questioning of the passengers was not motivated by the passengers’ actual or perceived race, color or national origin. The questioning by Trooper Hatch was consistent with the approach he has utilized in other stops irrespective of race, color or national origin and was in keeping with training that he has received as a law enforcement officer,” the commission said.

…The commission, which reviews conduct complaints about department personnel, met for about 90 minutes Wednesday afternoon with most of the meeting behind closed doors. Among those attending were Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn and Vermont State Police Director Tom L’Esperance.