ACLU Sharply Criticizes "Gypsy Scam" Bulletins released by Arapahoe Sheriff

Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado demanded that Arapahoe County Sheriff J. Grayson Robinson rescind a Sheriff’s Office alert titled “Gypsy Scams” that could have resulted in the racial profiling of persons described by the Sheriff’s Office as “Gypsies.”

The letter, written by Staff Attorney Sara J. Rich, was critical of the Sheriff for encouraging those who live in Arapahoe County (Aurora, Centennial, Littleton and 10 other incorporated cities and towns) to be suspicious of persons based on physical appearance, subjecting countless innocent persons to unwarranted discrimination and harassment.

The letter asked that the Sheriff retract previous comments about "Gypsy scams" and condemn discrimination based on race, ethnicity or physical appearance. The letter also demanded all Sheriff's Office records relating to "gypsies" or "gypsy scams."

“Arapahoe sheriff launches probe of ‘Gypsy Scam’ bulletin,” Colorado Community Media, July 24, 2012

“ACLU: Sheriff Department’s ‘Gypsy Scams’ Alert Will Result In Racial Profiling,” Think Progress, July 17, 2012

“ACLU, Arapahoe County Sheriff debate mysterious "Gypsy scams" warning,” Westword, July 17, 2012

“ACLU demands apology from Arapahoe County Sheriff for gypsy reference,” Fox 31, July 17, 2012