Premium Essay

Why Is Racial Profiling Wrong

Submitted By
Words 758
Pages 4
Research Paper Dishmon 1

Dorian Dishmon

Mrs. Sanford

Language Arts

February 19, 2016

Racial Profiling

Racial profiling is a practice used knowingly and unknowingly in police

departments, airport systems, and many other agencies worldwide. Racial profiling refers to the

targeting of particular individuals based not on their behavior, but rather their personal

characteristics, a person's race, ethnicity, or religion.

Background of racial profiling

The term racial profiling is relatively new term. Law enforcement agencies have …show more content…
Muslims or people of Mid Eastern descent, since 9/11, have been racially profiled, and

looked at as terrorist.

2. African Americans, are racially profiled DWB (Driving while black). African Americans

are also racially profiled based on what type of clothing they have on.

Driving while black is a term that refers to criminalization of African Americans. Driving

Dishmon 3

while black occurs when police use traffic offenses as an excuse for stopping African
Americans, who have not committed any offense, questioning them, searching them and their

vehicles. In some cases, police stop African American drivers without usual requirement of

probable cause or reasonable suspicion.

Why is racial profiling wrong?

Racial profiling is wrong because when you look for a certain race, or group of people as

the suspect, the person who committed the crime may remain free based on this stereotyping.

For example, a woman’s wallet is snatched out of her hand, and all she can provide as

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Racial Profiling and Its Consequences

...Racial Profiling and it's Consequences Racial profiling is unethical, because it violates human rights by degrading individuals; in addition, it is not cost effective and would be counterproductive. Racial profiling involves selecting people for a given purpose on the basis of their membership of a particular racial group (Thomsen p. 2). The main reason why law enforcement uses racial profiling is, because it can increase their chances of catching criminals. In other words, it narrows down suspects and find people that commit crimes. However, racial profiling can be wrong for a number of reasons. First of all it is wrong, when law enforcement uses it with a racist, derogatory, and humiliating attitude when stopping individuals for a traffic infraction. Second of all it is against the 14th Amendment. Racial profiling also prevents the latino community to work with law enforcement, because it creates fear; finally, it prevents law enforcement to properly serve the community. Why not reduce profiling or get rid of it for ever? We are after all one nation that has been able to embrace different people from different ethnicity and backgrounds in to America. Racial profiling is unethical, humiliating, and it violates human rights. “Racial profiling appears morally wrong and more troubling when the racial group that is being profiled suffers from background injustice” (Paul Bou-Habib p. 33). One main point I would like to make is that racial profiling is wrong when law enforcement...

Words: 301 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Essay On Racial Profiling

...The Problem of Racial Profiling Racial profiling is a serious issue of social importance in the United States. Many believe it is wrong to judge someone by their color or race. Racial profiling is suspecting a person because of a race has committed an offense. We should care about this because some of the law enforcement are taking this too far, where they would pull over certain group of people just because of their ethnicity. Us citizens should consider this issue because stereotypes does not determines a person’s life. I believe this is wrong but it is part of our community that people are being judged too quickly. This would still be an issue and it would make many good police officers look bad. Racial profiling can be beneficial thing...

Words: 616 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Racial Profiling Research Paper

...Racial Profiling, the words said together can bring silence across an entire room. Why is that? What is so wrong with ones race and profile? We are taught about race and the successes of our ancestors at a very young age. Our families celebrate and rejoice about the success and good that our families accomplished while occupying the earth. We profile every single day of our lives, it is engrained in us, and it is part of the fight or flight syndrome that we are born with. Profiling is how the human being was able to survive and continue to procreate. So why is it when law enforcement attempts to dismantle a criminal element or disrupt criminal activity, people are quick to say the police were racially profiling? Is law enforcement racial...

Words: 881 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Pros And Cons Of Racial Profiling

...security and hijacked two airplanes that were headed from the east coast to California, but instead they were flown into the World Trade Center creating the day that citizens of the United States will never forget. Back in 1693, Philadelphia had granted police the legal authority to halt and question any man of color caught wandering the streets. This type of act is called racial profiling, which refers to a practice where law enforcement personnel or people of legal authority to discriminately target those for crimes based on ethnicity, religion and race. Racial profiling should be accepted as law enforcement practice. Racial profiling is a necessary factor in contributing to the means of preventing terrorism. There is nothing wrong with using this method as a tool in catching those that threaten the lives of others. In the September 11th tragedy, nineteen group members from al-Qaeda bypassed airport security and crashed multiple planes into the World Trade Center...

Words: 1328 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Racial Profiling Research Paper

...Racial Profiling “There is definately some racial profiling. But we need to ensure that it is done for the right reasons to ensure the security of people. It is absolutely imperative that this is not abused” (Keith Vaz). According to 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.” Racial profiling is more common in busy cities, like L.A. rather than small towns in rural areas. MacDonald says that, “L.A. cops discriminate against minorities.” Racial profiling becomes more common every day, but people disagree whether it actually prevents crime or is it just discrimination. Many...

Words: 1396 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Surveillance In The Workplace

...Being monitored while shopping can be very intimidating, knowing people are watching you in every move you make will make a person feel like a criminal in many cases. But why would someone feel intimidated if they done nothing wrong? Having a surveillance that protects people safety is a good way to reduced crime rate. Surveillance will make secured safety, especially if they focus on a certain ethnic groups with higher crime rate. This isn’t some kind of racial profiling or racism, but instead it is a way to make secured safety in any public places for the society. It is obvious that this will create a problem, but we shouldn’t be afraid to take risk for everyone’s peace. Surveillance in public places will create a better society. With the use of this technology crime rate will go down. If everyone is being watched by the surveillance, wrongdoers would not even think about doing a crime knowing that they’re being watched. The purpose of the surveillance is to keep an eye on everyone in public. In Dan White’s writing “ the...

Words: 677 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Everything Isn't Racial Profiling

...Everything Isn’t Racial Profiling By Linda Chavez Critical analysis Racial Profiling is a Good Bias "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.'… I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."(King, 1963, P.49) These were the words of the infamous Martin Luther King, a man whose goal in life was to strain to give this world racial equality and stop racial profiling and injustice. Linda Chavez, the author of the article ‘Everything Isn’t Racial Profiling’ argues that racial profiling is an ugly business and that it is just wrong and unjust, as she herself was subjected to it. Linda’s argument is that racial profiling is undeniably wrong, but the fact that security puts people under scrutiny is correct. I think the author’ argument is quite legitimate and convincing. Racial profiling is biased, but in some cases it is permissible, especially when it comes to airline safety. ‘Everything Isn’t Racial Profiling’ is an article that talks about how racial profiling is generally immoral, but in some certain times putting certain people under scrutiny is logical. Chavez clarifies that it is unpleasant to be a victim of racial profiling especially if you know it happens because of your nationality or the color of your skin...

Words: 1903 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Arguments Against Racial Profiling

...Mendoza 6 Monique Mendoza September 15, 2016 ERWC-A Per. 1 Ms. Matlen Racial Profiling Racial profiling sends the brutalizing message to our dwellers that they are criticized by the color of their skin and their race and mischiefs the criminal justice system by devitalizing the faith and confidence that is necessary if law enforcement is to adequately protect our association. Police officers often profile certain types of individuals who may commit crimes just because of the race they may be. Police officers often profile certain types of individuals who may commit crimes just because of the race the may be. African Americans are the ones who feel more targeted, based on a stereotype about their race. In April 14, 2004 the officer showed...

Words: 1589 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Pros And Cons Of Racial Profiling

...Racial Profiling Right? Or Wrong? Why is there racial profiling in America today? For those who don't know what racial profiling means, it is the use of race or ethnicity as grounds for suspecting someone of having committed an offense. Racial Profiling needs to end because most minorities targeted by authorities are innocent and racial profiling is not safe for minorities but we can change this by passing the end racial profiling act. Minorities accused of crimes. According to Heather Mac. Donald “Blacks commit 42 percent of all robberies and 34 percent of all felonies, though they are 10 percent of the city's population. Whites commit 5 percent of all robberies and 13 percent of all felonies, though they are 29.4 percent of the city's population (Donald). This shows why racial profiling is happening. It makes minorities, especially black minorities seem dangerous. On the other hand, The likelihood that black drivers or their cars were searched, compared with white drivers (1.0 indicates equal likelihood for blacks and whites). In Torrington, CT it is 5.0 times as likely, in Chicago, IL it is 5.2 times as likely, in Charlotte Mecklenburg, NC it is 2.8 times as likely (Gale). All these people are being pulled over for suspicions based on their skin color. Racial profiling is dangerous for...

Words: 528 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Arguments Against Racial Profiling

...Racial Profiling Does racial inequality still exist in this modern society? There has been a lot of improvements since black slavery began. The black race is in doubt progressing in different fields, a proof to that is a black president. However, racial equality does not exist in all aspects. An example of this aspect is Racial profiling. Racial profiling was constructed by police to for they believe certain groups are more likely to commit crimes. For this reason, the issue on equality open to question. Some people contest this idea, however, some support it. In this case, racial profiling is morally wrong and ineffective. Racial profiling lessens suspects getting caught. According to the article Why racial profiling is a bad idea, “When...

Words: 489 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Police Brutality Essay

...Brown, Police Violence, And Why It’s So Hard For Victims to See Justice” by Nicole Flatow, “But Brown is part of a long and painful trend of a black, unarmed men killed by the cops, including two others that made national headlines in just the past week.” This means that many unarmed black men have been shot...

Words: 931 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Racial Profiling Thesis

...Racial profiling Criminal profiling can be defined as an investigative profession that is used to help law enforcement and the government agencies in pursuing unknown perpetrators. The criminal profilers have a background in investigative psychology and forensic. Thus, giving them the necessary skills and knowledge that is required to recognize the personal characteristics and traits of criminals based on the evidence on the crime scene. Therefore, it is correct to state that criminal profiling is an amalgamation of analyzing the behavioral and physical data, restructuring a crime from the creation to the end and hence approaching it with the most scientific determination probable with the information availed on the crime scene. According to (Holmes & Holmes 2002),...

Words: 1408 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ethnicity and the Police

...Ethnicity and the Police (Part II) Monica Angulo CJA/344 August 6, 2014 Instructor Name Ethnicity and the Police Racial profiling indicates the system law enforcement officials use to target people for suspicion of crime grounded on the person's race, ethnicity, religion or national origin. Criminal profiling, usually, as performed by police, is the deduction on a group of characteristics they consider to be connected with crime. An example of racial profiling is the use of race to conclude which motorists to stop for minor traffic violations (usually referred to as "driving while black” or “driving while brown"). The use of race to conclude which individuals to search for illegal paraphernalia is another example of racial profiling. This practice, however, can result contra productive, as highlighted in the following cases. Racial Profiling Gone Wrong Poor judgment calls based on racial profiling have been made by law enforcement officials, where racism and discrimination has taken over violating individuals’ civil rights, creating friction with the community and the public. NYC Cop Testifies to Targeting Young Black Men As hearings began to examine New York City’s stop and frisk policy, one police officer testified that he was instructed by superiors to target young Black men between the ages of 14 and 21. In 2011 alone, New York City police executed 685,724 stops as part of the stop and frisk policy. In total, they had...

Words: 884 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Jjdakj

...What current world issue do you feel is most important or critical? Why is this a global issue? Throughout the United States there are many different current global issues that effect the world, however there is one in particular that I feel is very critical and important. One issue that is becoming more of an upcoming problem in today’s society is racial profiling. In some of the big cities such as St.Louis and New York many people have been facing this issue. Two incidents in particular is the Ferguson shooting of Michael Brown and The killing of a Staten Island man by a police officer. The Ferguson shooting was taken seriously and caused many people to question racial profiling. While Michael Brown was a black teenager the killer happened to be a male, white police officer. This caused many people to have different opinions on whether or not Brown was killed do to his race. Brown was suspected to have done nothing wrong to Officer Wilson and it came to the conclusion that Brown was shot for no apparent reason. As this case continued to be seen through the government, many things didn't make sense to why Brown had been shot 12 times. Many people have came to the conclusion that Officer Wilson wanted Brown dead. No one really knows why this may be the case. Earlier before Brown was killed, he was seen causing a problem in a local liquor store. Once Brown arrived at the scene he should have addressed the situation in a better way however he chose not too. Aside from...

Words: 558 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Racial Profiling

...[Name of the Writer] [Name of the Institution] [Name of the Subject] [Date] Racial Profiling and Law Enforcement Introduction Over the years racial profiling has become a significant topic especially among law enforcement agencies across the United States. Many cities and states have made a conscious effort to study racial profiling and ascertain how race and ethnicity play a significant role in stopping vehicles by law enforcement in their jurisdictions. Profiling refers to the practice of police that view certain characteristics as indicators of criminal behavior. It is the establishment of law enforcement practices that solves crime and develop prevention strategioes against crime. While, racial profiling is the new term for profiling. The change is partially because of the ambiguity that racial profiling has some confusions and controversories. The term racial profiling best decribes the situation where police arrests, questions or stops the person on the basis of race (Cleary 5). In regards to the racial profiling, the concern about it is erupting in the entire nation (Harcourt 18). Racial profiling is considered as the use of the individual’s ethnicity and race through the law enforcement personnel. In many of the jurisdiction, the practice of such acts is considered as illegal and controversial. United States have decided to work on the issues related to the racial profiling, that how the ethnicity and race play a part in order to stop the injustice through...

Words: 2214 - Pages: 9