Feds won't investigate racial profiling

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - The U.S. Justice Department is refusing to investigate allegations of racial profiling by Fayetteville police, although officials say the "consent searches" raised concerns.

The Fayetteville Observer reported the department rejected the request by the city manager.

The rejection letter says the evidence raises concerns about a possible pattern or practice of bias.

Fayetteville City Council voted last month to temporarily stop the consent searches, which have been criticized as disproportionately focusing on black people. In a consent search, police can ask drivers for permission to search a vehicle based on a hunch.

The Justice Department letter says the city has taken steps to respond to criticism, including requiring officers to give a detailed, written reason for each search they conduct based on probable cause.

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Information from: The Fayetteville Observer, http://www.fayobserver.com