NCJ Number
191967
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 79-82
Date Published
October 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the police response to increased public concern over the practice of racial profiling during traffic stops considering America’s increased diverse population and demographic changes. It presents effective ways in which police can reduce public concern over the fairness of traffic stops or biased-based traffic enforcement.
Abstract
The 2000 U.S. Census showed significant demographic changes in America with an increase in diversity. These demographic changes are significant in the debate over racial profiling and the public’s concern for biased-based traffic enforcement. It is necessary for law enforcement to reassure the public and insure that appropriate organizational mechanisms are in place to effectively deal with racial profiling. Some of the proactive steps that law enforcement can take to combat racial bias are: (1) implementing agency policy prohibiting inappropriate police tactics; (2) educating officers in regard to racial profiling; (3) familiarizing the public about traffic stops by offering guidelines for citizens who are stopped, thereby alleviating fear and anxiety and reducing controversy; and (4) developing a complaint resolution process for citizens wanting to bring officer misconduct forward without the fear of retaliation. Success in fighting crime requires successfully maintaining or regaining public confidence. In addition, with America’s increase in Black, Asian and Hispanic populations, it will become an important challenge for law enforcement to effectively work with people of color and offer reassurance to the community.