SCLC #576 Black police — limited authority in 3 counties

Finding 576. 14 of 17 study counties had all-white law enforcement. Three exceptions did not imply equal authority: Quincy (Gadsden FL) two Black officers patrolled only Black areas; Tensas Parish two “policemen” characterized as night watchmen; Ahoskie two Black officers could arrest only Black residents.

Craft: presence ≠ equal authority · three different reported limits, not one common statute · patrol-area ≠ arrest-power · role/classification ≠ roster audit · 14-of-17 field-study ≠ statewide force census.

Source: USCCR justice section. repo.