Los Angeles is beginning the process of reducing traffic stops for infractions like broken taillights or expired tags where the intent is to use the violation as a pretext to search for drugs, guns, or other violations. While these pretextual stops have been historically supported, recent investigations have found that some cities have witnessed police officers killing more than four hundred motorists in five years who were not wielding a knife or firearm. Additionally, proponents of the change cite data that show the disproportionate use of pretextual stops on racial minorities and the tendency for the situation to escalate into avoidable violence. For example, Pittsburgh councilman Ricky Burgess believes that these policing practices escalate existing tensions between the police and racial minorities, posing a greater threat to the public than simple traffic violations. As the movement to reduce pretextual stops increases, many supports are offering non-confrontational methods for the future of handling minor traffic violations while reducing the harm to communities. Viable alternatives to pretextual stops include mailing systems for equipment failure/expiration, coupon programs to repair vehicles, and traffic cameras.