NCJ Number
191968
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 85-88
Date Published
October 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents nine ways to prevent racial profiling on officer encounters with the public, typically during traffic stops.
Abstract
Acknowledging that racial profiling occurs, more than 400 law enforcement agencies collect data on officer encounters with the public, with most data relating to racial profiling during traffic stops. This initiative occurred after many allegations of selective enforcement and the need to focus on the prevention of racial profiling. Nine ways to prevent racial profiling are presented: (1) review records for signs of bias or improper selective enforcement; (2) establish a citizen feedback system to determine the level of service; (3) review and analyze the data collected to ensure proper gathering and classifying of information; (4) conduct a violator survey to establish a baseline to compare data; (5) provide standardized agency profile prevention training; (6) provide human diversity and sensitivity training; (7) encourage community outreach offering dialogue between the police and the community; (8) implement a racial profiling prevention plan; and (9) validate the plan through evaluation.