Police Profiling

Police Profiling

Profiling is a two-fold term when applied to the law enforcement field Both the law enforcement officer and the offender often enter into some type of profiling mentality . In a nation whose racial undertones run rampant , profiling is an increasingly serious problem . However , many investigators use profiling as a means of discovering particular traits actions and other aspects of offenders . The process of profiling is proven effective in solving criminal cases , but also continues as a point of debate in civil rights advocacy circles . The purpose of this study

is to examine both sides of profiling while providing sufficient evidence to support the possibility of reducing bias and stereotypical prejudices against both the police and racial groups

Methodology

Law enforcement officers use a number of methods in preventing investigating , and detecting crimes . Because of the rising criminality in our contemporary society , law enforcement officers must employ creative and innovative methods of crime prevention . Nevertheless , a new kind of profiling (racial profiling ) is being challenged and questioned by contemporary society

It is through the investigation of these methods that this study will provide evidence to support racial profiling as an actual occurrence in cases across the nation . Such methods currently include stopping questioning , and searching individuals . Since this method has been proven as an effective method of deterring and preventing crime , society does not condemn this practice . However , it is the use of specific characteristics of individuals as basis for performing these tasks that society questions . Profiling is considered as the use of certain characteristics as indicators of criminal behavior and is considered an established procedure with efficacy in crime solving and crime prevention , all of which have been confirmed by science . This study will employ the use of past and present court cases as one means of obtaining information to support the theory of racial profiling as a negative action in law enforcement . However , additional resources will support society 's implantation of stereotypes as a contributing factor to profiling

Subjects

Racial profiling became a large issue in the United States when Al Gore debated Bill Bradley at New York 's Apollo Theater (Derbyshire , 2001 indicating the national scope of such incidents . Law enforcement officers are perceived as a whole . In fact , one discriminating officer has the ability to influence society 's view all law enforcement professionals in a negative light . In conducting this study , it is my goal to inform my readers on the practice of profiling , including the good and the bad . Information to support this theory will be obtained through interviews , surveys , and officer questionnaires . Furthermore this study will illustrate how the practice of racial profiling affects an officer 's ability for optimal performance while also reducing the public 's trust of those assigned to serve and protect individual and community rights

Subjects of this study include individual departments from the capitol of each respective U .S . state federal offices such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation , Department of Homeland Security , Department of Justice , U .S...