Abstract

Profiling:

Profiling, actually a psychological term, has been successful in a variety of applications, from tracking serial killers to apprehending smugglers. It became one of the procedures used by U.S. Customs agents in targeting drug couriers attempting to enter the United States from suspect countries. Possible "mules" were matched against a set of specific characteristics (a profile), in order to differentiate them from innocent travelers. The plain fact that most of the suspect countries were Latin meant that Hispanics were targeted more frequently than other ethnic groups, although this clearly was not related to any form of racial prejudice. Race was just one of the several factors that constituted this particular type of profile; serial killers, for example, are profiled as almost always being Caucasian, but no one would assert that this is an example of prejudice at work. (Ramirez, 04-13)

The Racial Profiling:

Racial profiling can be defined as an act in which the race or ethnicity of an individual is used to identify them. Law enforcement personnel decide on how to treat a person by judging who he or she is. This practice is considered to be illegal and controversial in many countries. (Muffler, 127)

Racial profiling is defined as any action initiated by persons in authority in respect of a person or group of persons for reasons of security or public protection that relies primarily on factors such as race, ethnicity, color, religion, language, social condition, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs in order to expose the individual to Examination and differential treatment when there are no real grounds or reasonable suspicion.

Contrary to racial profiling, the practice of criminal profiling is acceptable because it is based on objective evidence about a crime and not on assumptions based on stereotypes.

In many countries, racial profiling is illegal. This does not mean it is nonexistent. There are numerous cases about people of certain race or ethnic, automatically suspected of crimes based on race.

Arguments in favor of Racial Profiling:

Racial profiling is dangerous yet it is considered to be appropriate to fight against terrorism. Most commonly, the argument states that a high rate of arrests for the members of targeted community is a proof that racial profiling serves as a helpful purpose. The higher rate of arrests is considered as to be a proof that there is a higher concentration of criminals in the targeted groups.

In 1998, United States Customs used racial profiling to search for drugs. The agents stopped Latinos and black at a higher disproportionate to whites. The result was 6% white, 6% black and 2% Latinos. Being accused of using racial profiling, the customs changed the criteria. The number of search was cut down to half. Among the reduced number of people stopped, the outcome was: twice as many whites and blacks and five times as many Latinos. Racial profiling is considered as a helpful practice to fight against crime.

After the attack on WTC, 9/11 incident, a research was conducted. According to research, 53% people believed that the risk of ...