A 6-month investigation by the Justice Department has found that Ferguson police and courts have routinely violated the Constitution, in a pattern of aggressive racial discrimination, for years. The report details a criminal justice system that willfully encourages unjustified targeting, often in order to generate fine revenue. Blacks are particularly affected by charges that rely on police discretion, regardless of probable cause. Blacks make up the overwhelming majority of those stopped, even while whites are nearly 33% more likely to be in possession of illicit drugs and other contraband.

These numbers remind me of the data that came out in the wake of the stop-and-frisk controversies in New York City. Although Darren Wilson won't be prosecuted, one can hope that these numbers can back up movements trying to make a change.