Racial profiling is defined as actions by law enforcement based on which factor rather than the behavior of an individual or information that leads the agency?

Racial profiling is defined as actions by law enforcement based on which factor rather than the behavior of an individual or information that leads the agency?

• A. Race or ethnicity
• B. Gender
• C. Nationality
• D. Religion

Answer: (A)

Racial profiling happens when law enforcement actions are based on a person’s race or ethnicity rather than on the individual’s actual behavior or credible information about a specific crime. The key idea is that decisions are driven by group characteristics instead of observable conduct or evidence tied to a particular suspect. Police should rely on what someone does or on solid information about a crime, not on stereotypes tied to their racial background. While actions based on gender, nationality, or religion would also be inappropriate, the term specifically identifies race or ethnicity as the basis for the action.

Racial profiling happens when law enforcement actions are based on a person’s race or ethnicity rather than on the individual’s actual behavior or credible information about a specific crime. The key idea is that decisions are driven by group characteristics instead of observable conduct or evidence tied to a particular suspect. Police should rely on what someone does or on solid information about a crime, not on stereotypes tied to their racial background. While actions based on gender, nationality, or religion would also be inappropriate, the term specifically identifies race or ethnicity as the basis for the action.