Red Wing officials deny racial profiling

Associated Press

Last update: December 22, 2008 - 7:38 AM

RED WING, Minn. - Red Wing city officials say they are puzzled by allegations that police have been singling out people driving out of the Prairie Island Indian Community.

The Prairie Island Tribal Council requested the Red Wing police department re-evaluate its procedures in a short letter to the city dated Dec. 5.

The letter alleges community members, employees and patrons leaving the area have been arbitrarily profiled in traffic stops and investigations.

Police Chief Tim Sletten says police have "absolutely not" been profiling people leaving the reservation.

The city's letter in response requests a meeting to discuss the allegations, but Sletten says he has not received a response.

A tribal spokeswoman tells the Red Wing Republican Eagle the tribe will address the matter privately with the city.

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