11-07-2025
‘We're going to get those body cams': Bartow city leaders vow changes are coming after controversial traffic stop
BARTOW, Fla. (WFLA) — A tense incident between police and a local faith leader led to promises from Bartow's top leadership.
City manager Mike Herr told News Channel 8 that actions are being taken.
'Investing in body cameras is an important thing to do,' said Herr.
Herr said the incident at hand was 'unfortunate' but provides a good 'opportunity' to learn.
'I want the chief to look into new training opportunities. I think we need to be a little bit more current. Racial profiling is something that it does happen all over the country,' said Herr.
Racial profiling – that's what a St. James AME Church of Bartow pastor said happened when he was stopped because his taillight was out in Bartow late at night.
'The tag light, I have no issue with the tag light being out. Everything after that, just not seeing justified,' said Pastor Don'Tavius Sanders.
At a community gathering last week, Sanders said he felt targeted when the officers used a harsh tone and searched his car.
During the traffic stop, a K-9 unit was called.
Sanders' car was searched after a K-9 detected narcotics. No narcotics were found.
Police said officers also suspected Sanders' windows were too darkly tinted.
'Ofc. Freeman tested the rear driver side window with the tint meter, showing it to be at3% light transmittance, well below the 15% legal limit,' read a report filed by Chief Walker.
'In this particular instance, I don't know why the K-9 unit was hauled in. It didn't make sense to me. I'm not being critical of our team and so Chief Walker has gone back and tweaked that policy,' said Herr.
Officers attempted to give Sanders a citation for the tail light and window tint but the printer didn't work.
He left with warnings.
At the event last week, Chief Walker apologized and vowed to make changes.
'It's going to take more than words for me,' said Sanders at the time.
'I take the position of the department and the officers, I take it all serious. We serve under public trust and if we lose that trust, then we're of no use,' said Chief Walker at a city commission meeting this week.
Chief Walker said he updated policies and submitted a draft proposal to Herr for a citizen oversight committee.
He also said he has been in touch with groups to provide civil rights training, including the FBI field office in Tampa.
'We're moving forward. We're going to get those body cams. We're going to get those dash cams and I fully support the citizen action board,' said Herr.
Herr said the cameras could cost $1.4 million.
'I have to commend them for the fact that they moved to actions quick. Things don't prolong on and on when people take accountability,' said Pastor Clayton Cowart with the Poor & Minority Justice Association.
Thursday afternoon, Pastor Sanders provided the following statement to News Channel 8:
'I appreciate the actions recently taken by the Bartow City Commission. However, I must emphasize that the real issue at hand is the racial profiling and unjust treatment that occurred. While policy changes are certainly a step in the right direction, true progress requires a change of heart in those who believe they can judge others based on preconceived notions or stereotypes. Without addressing these deeply held biases, no policy alone can create the safe and equitable community we all deserve.'
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