Racial profiling in society

 

picture is from university of California

One warm early morning in the chaos of New York City, something very unexpected occurred... Walking through the city as usual heading to work while walking through crowds of people a strange man approaches my uncle and uttered something unexpected. My uncle was on his usual route to work walking through the crowded streets as he was approached by a man that he has never seen before. For no reason whatsoever, this man called my uncle a “Stupid Mexican.” My uncle is Perto Rican and not Mexican. The stranger was quick to make assumptions. This is an example of an act of racism that has affected my family. 

Targeting people for suspicion or investigation based on their race, ethnicity, or country of origin is a contentious practice known as "racial profiling." Law enforcement officials frequently employ this technique to deter crime and uphold public safety. Racial profiling, on the other hand, is a gravely unjust and discriminatory practice that contravenes the fundamental ideals of justice and equality. A person may experience a variety of problems with their mental health in addition to other things if this were to happen to them.  

  

Racial profiling causes people to be treated unfairly because of their race, ethnicity, or country of origin. Due to their skin tone or cultural origin, innocent persons may end up being stopped, searched, or arrested. This is not only unfair and unjust, but it may also cause law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve to lose trust in one another.  

 Harmful prejudices and preconceptions about particular racial or ethnic groups can be perpetuated by racial profiling. This can fuel more prejudice and discrimination in society and foster a hostile environment that is unwelcoming to people of particular racial or ethnic backgrounds. Utilizing racial profiling to keep the public safe and reduce crime is counterproductive. Law enforcement officials risk missing crucial information or failing to recognize potential dangers from people outside of their own racial or ethnic groupings if they concentrate on a small number of these groups. Racial profiling can also incite hostility and animosity in populations that are being targeted, which can significantly raise the risk of crime and violence. 

Many minority groups have been wrongly convicted of crimes due to racial bias and systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system. Studies have shown that people of color, including Hispanics, are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested by law enforcement than their white counterparts. Innocent African Americans are 12 times more likely to be convicted of drug possession than innocent white people. Another example is African Americans are 7 times more likely to be wrongfully convicted of murder than white people. They are also more likely to be convicted and receive harsher sentences, even for the same offenses. These disparities have been attributed to a variety of factors, including implicit bias, racial profiling, and unequal access to legal representation. 

A thorough and varied approach is necessary to address the complicated and multifaceted issue of racial profiling. Intensive cultural competency training is required for police officers. Officers can avoid racial profiling by utilizing this training to better understand and respect the cultural diversity of the communities they serve. In order to ensure that officers who engage in such activities are held accountable, police departments should develop explicit policies and procedures that forbid racial profiling. Furthermore, impartial monitoring organizations might be established to keep an eye on and investigate racial profiling accusations.   

Racial profiling is a damaging and discriminatory activity that contravenes the fundamental ideals of justice and equality. Law enforcement officials should concentrate on evidence-based police techniques that emphasize public safety and respect for the rights and dignity of all people rather than targeting people based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin. By doing this, we can build a society that is more fair and just for everyone.