NCJ Number
191114
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2000 Pages: 21-23
Date Published
November 2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article examines police use of racial profiling and ways to prevent it.
Abstract
Racial profiling as used by some police departments involves traffic stops made on the basis of race. Campus law enforcement agencies are responsible for educating young people to demand appropriate law enforcement services in the communities where they will eventually live and work. Therefore, it is critical that campus law enforcement agencies take a proactive approach to racial profiling with regard to traffic enforcement. The article attempts to outline procedures that can prevent or eliminate the practice. The first step is a public statement by the police chief condemning the practice. The chief should also develop a policy that describes reasons a traffic stop may be made and specifically forbids stops based on age, race, gender, or ethnicity. All officers should be given copies of the policy and should be trained to understand what it means. All traffic stops should be recorded on in-car video systems. Every campus law enforcement agency should have periodic training regarding diversity and cultural sensitivity.