Racial and Ethnic Profiling

Provide 2-3 detailed paragraphs. Use proper APA citation throughout. Use reference provided below.

Racial profiling* is defined by Chan (2011) as any government activity—including surveillance, search and seizure, questioning, detainment, and arrest—directed at a specific individual or group based solely on race or ethnicity. The United States has engaged in racial profiling. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese immigrants and American citizens of Japanese descent were relocated to internment camps because of their race. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, individuals of Middle Eastern descent were often targeted for “routine” searches and questioning at airports. Racial profiling can be a controversial topic both within criminal justice and among the general public.

For this Discussion, you explore the practice and impacts of racial profiling and consider whether it is ever justifiable. Be aware that your colleagues in this course may have different viewpoints than your own. Please be respectful in your posts and responses to others.

*Racial profiling includes profiling based on race and/or ethnicity.

Post by Day 4 a description of at least two racial or ethnic minority groups that are regularly profiled by law enforcement. Then explain possible impacts on the criminal justice system of profiling the two groups you described. Finally, explain whether or not it is ever justifiable for law enforcement to profile individuals based on race or ethnicity. Justify your position with references to the literature and Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 6 to at least one of your colleagues’ postings.

Reference:
Chan, J. (2011). Racial profiling and police subculture. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 53(1), 75–78.