What is Racial Profiling?

Racial profiling is an unfortunate and unnecessary situation that happens all too frequently today. We see national headlines on this serious issue each week, especially in law enforcement scenarios. According to the ACLU, racial profiling “refers to the discriminatory practice by law enforcement officials of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on the individual’s race, ethnicity, religion or national origin.” In situations where this may exist, a police officer could assume a crime was committed only based on a stereotype.

The following are potential examples of racial profiling. When a police officer uses race to determine which drivers to stop for traffic violations. When a TSA agent uses race or religious clothing to determine which person to “randomly” search in an airport security line. When a police officer uses race as a reason to stop a random pedestrian and search for illegal contraband. All of these scenarios continue to happen and all may possibly be instances of racial profiling.

Racial profiling occurs because racism continues to be an issue in today’s society. Whether consciously or subconsciously, most people have predetermined ideas about other people. This must end. Targeting someone based on the color of their skin or their religious beliefs is wrong.

Rather than being falsely proactive, we should strive to be accurately reactive. That is, do not assume someone has done something wrong just because there have been other people who look like them that have done something wrong. Instead, focus on the people who have actually done something wrong, and remove the biases from the situation.

We know what a serious issue racial profiling is. If you or someone you care about has been a victim of racial profiling do not wait to contact a member of our experienced legal team. We are here for you when you need us.