Who was Alvin W. Penn?
Alvin W. Penn (January 16, 1949 – February 14, 2003) was a dedicated public servant and transformative figure in Connecticut politics. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Penn was a long-time resident of Bridgeport, where he lived for 25 years.
Throughout his career, Penn earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for civil rights, social justice, and his community. Senator Penn served five terms in the Connecticut State Senate, representing the 23rd district. In the Senate, he held key leadership positions, including Chairman of the Public Safety Committee and Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He also served on several other committees, such as Finance, Revenue and Bonding, and Transportation Bonding.
One of Penn’s most significant contributions was his introduction of Connecticut’s first anti-racial profiling law, that would later be named the bill Alvin W. Penn Racial Profiling Prohibition Act following his death. This landmark legislation made it illegal for law enforcement agencies in Connecticut to stop, detain, or search any individual based on race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, or sexual orientation. The law addressed the critical issue of racial profiling and ensured that all individuals are treated fairly under the law.
Senator Penn’s legacy continues to shape Connecticut’s approach to justice and equality. His contributions to social justice remain influential to this day.
“I knew Senator Penn. I remembered when he lobbied for this legislation I believe that Senator Penn would be really proud of the work that we’re doing now.”
- Eyvonne Parker-Bair, CTRP3 Advisory Board member
“I think that Alvin Penn would be pleased with the strides that we have made. We’re all in this together for the greater good to educate the community and carry out the mandates of the statute. And in that way, it honors Alvin Penn’s memory.”
- Gail Hardy, CTRP3 Advisory Board member
Anti-Racial Profiling Law
The Alvin W. Penn Racial Profiling Prohibition Act (Public Act 99-198) was enacted in Connecticut in 1999 to honor Senator Alvin W. Penn, who advocated for the legislation. This law prohibits law enforcement from stopping, detaining, or searching individuals when such action is motivated, in whole or in part, by considerations of race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, or sexual orientation. In 2012, the law was updated with several key changes that took effect on October 1, 2013.
These included:
- The adoption of written policies by all state police agencies.
- A standardized method for collecting data on each traffic stop.
- A requirement for police to inform individuals about the law and how to file complaints.
- Penalties for non-compliance, enforced by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM).
- The creation of the Racial Profiling Prohibition Advisory Board (CTRP3) to oversee the law’s implementation.
CT Racial Profiling Prohibition Project
UConn Hartford
Hartford Times Building, Suite 443
10 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06103