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History and Challenges of Racial Profiling

            Racial profiling is a form of discrimination by which law enforcement uses a person's race or cultural background as the primary reason to suspect that the individual has broken the law. Many believe that racial profiling became a problem in the 1980's; however the problem dates back to at least the 1700's for people of African descent in the United States. There are many individuals that believe the practice of racial profiling is wrong, while others will claim that it is necessary in order to apprehend suspects of drug offenses or any other criminal charges. The unforeseen practice of racial profiling has the ability to influence prejudice and stereotyping of individuals. There are many different conflicts associated with racial profiling by law enforcement agents but the main problem remains- the use of racial profiling causes stereotypical endeavors and it isn't an intelligent means of studying criminals. The most common targeted of racial profiling are individuals of African American descent, along with Hispanics and Muslims. While these groups of individuals may feel they are being subjected to racism, law enforcement stand to believe it is a simple act of private security. Racial profiling groups a specific race as one, if there is a common misdemeanor conducted by a few, the group as a whole is assumed guilty. Racial profiling derives from a form of stereotyping. Stereotyping is a standardized and simplified speculation or image created with a particular meaning and held in common by members within a group. In other words, a person is judged by the description of others and not by their actual character. Opinions of this issue are frequently spoken, but the main question persists. Should race be used as a factor of protection, or is it an absurd action of racism/discrimination?.
             Historical Background of Racial Profiling.
             It is difficult to trace the history of racial profiling but the principle of targeting those based on race and/or ethnicity existed well before, during and after slavery here in the United States.


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2. Racial Profiling

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6. Patterns of Discrimination in Police Agencies

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8. Racial Profileing

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