Racial Profiling in Policing: Efficacy, Prevalence, and Effects

Introduction and Statement of the Problem

The aim of this research proposal is to examine and identify racial profiling in policing in order to assess whether the practice is beneficial or harmful in nature. The researcher examines whether racial profiling in policing is an effective or necessary method for deterring crime and attempts to determine whether damaging consequences result from racial profiling activities.

Racial profiling can be defined as the practice of utilizing race, ethnicity, or any other external factor to assess whether an individual might be a likely suspect engaged in criminal activity (Trende, 2000). Racial profiling has been used by law enforcement agencies to stop individuals suspected of criminal activity, under the theory that it will enable crime deterrence before an individual engages in further criminal behavior.

The practice of racial profiling has incited a great deal of debate among law enforcement agents, citizens, political authorities, and public commentators, the majority of whom have admitted that the practice is at best questionable.

The purpose of this research is to examine: (1) whether racial profiling is justified, (2) how widespread racial profiling is in communities, and (3) current trends in racial profiling. The methods employed are qualitative in nature and involve interpretive analysis of historical information obtained with regard to racial profiling. From a review of current trends and historical evidence, the researcher draws logical conclusions with regard to the efficacy and effects of racial profiling among law enforcement agents.

Background to the Problem

Since the events of September 11, the practice of racial profiling has once again become a critical issue among law enforcement agencies and political authorities alike (Trende, 2000). Though largely abandoned for a period of time after the mid-1980s and believed to be ineffective, the practice of racial profiling is once again being examined — particularly as more and more Arab, Muslim, and Middle Eastern minorities are stopped and questioned by law enforcement authorities (Trende, 2000).

The increased attention has also caused many researchers to re-examine the practice of racial profiling with a critical eye. Whereas the books were thought to be closed on this issue, there is a significant body of evidence suggesting that racial profiling is still a relatively common practice in law enforcement agencies throughout the nation (Mcleod, 2003; Trende, 2000; Harris, 2002).

The intent of this paper is to examine racial profiling from a critical perspective in order to determine whether future studies are warranted and whether a qualitative analysis is appropriate to determine the extent of racial profiling in modern police organizations. The researcher proposes examining racial profiling from a historical perspective in order to determine whether racial profiling significantly reduces the rate of crime in urban communities across the nation.

Racial profiling may be defined as the practice of using race or ethnicity as a determining factor in a decision to stop or detain a suspect (Trende, 2000). In recent years the practice has drawn a great deal of attention among law enforcement agencies, government authorities, citizens, and the media (Trende, 2000). There are few individuals who have defended the practice, but despite this, many — including individuals within law enforcement — have admitted that racial profiling is common (Trende, 2000).

Literature Review: Racial Profiling Overview and the Debate

Racial profiling among police agents often results in a disproportionate number of minorities being targeted; most commonly, these individuals are stopped for traffic offenses or detained on suspicion of criminal behavior (Trende, 2000). In New Jersey, for example, Governor Christine Todd Whitman admitted "very frankly that racial profiling occurs in New Jersey" — a fact further confirmed by state troopers who validated that they were in fact required to racially profile potential criminals (Trende, 2000: 331).

Racial profiling has incited much debate since its inception. In recent years, particularly after the events of September 11th, a shift was noticed with regard to public opinion on racial profiling. Whereas previously there were many opponents who argued that racial profiling violated civil rights, in the years following the attacks, public opinion polls reflected support for racial profiling in many areas of the country (Hoopes, Quinlan & Ramirez, 2003).

Among the individuals now singled out during racial profiling practices are Arab Americans and individuals who appear to be of Arab descent (Hoopes et al., 2003). Despite this public support, from an ethical standpoint there remains little evidence to suggest that the practice is appropriate or morally grounded.

Hoopes et al. (2003) argue that law enforcement practices that adopt racial profiling are often perceived to be biased, unfair, and disrespectful — particularly to "communities of color and other minority groups" (p. 1195). In addition, racial profiling can have negative consequences, including causing racial and ethnic minorities to become more distrustful of law enforcement agents (Hoopes et al., 2003). There is also little empirical data suggesting that racial profiling is effective, and little anecdotal evidence to suggest that it deters criminal activity, including potential terrorist activity (Hoopes et al., 2003).

The use of race or ethnic appearance to decide who "merits police attention as a suspicious person" has been recognized by many as a form of institutional discrimination (Harris, 2002). Thirteen states have in the past passed anti-racial profiling bills, and among police departments in various parts of the country, data is being collected with regard to traffic stops to ensure that unbiased practices are being followed (Harris, 2002).