NCJ Number
207428
Journal
Illinois Law Enforcement Executive Forum Volume: 47 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 53
Editor(s)
Thomas J. Jurkanin Ph.D.
Date Published
July 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article briefly discusses the history of American policing and the evolution of increased public scrutiny of police ethics, specifically related to racial profiling, and how the Illinois State University Police Department has taken steps in responding to this public scrutiny.
Abstract
In reaction to the urbanization and industrialization of America and the desire to control citizens through legal means, police and other law enforcement agencies were created. However, today law enforcement is plagued by public distrust with police corruption, the use of excessive force, and poor community relations with the greatest source of public distrust related to racial profiling. It is necessary for law enforcement professionals to do all they can to restore the faith and confidence of their citizens. The Illinois State University Police Department (University Police) has responded to the concerns of its community by taking positive steps to clearly and completely establish a standard of behavior for its officers in relation to traffic stops and racial profiling. This article, in addition to reviewing the history of American policing and the evolution of racial profiling, presents the steps taken by the University Police to fulfill their mission of enforcing laws equally without regard to race, gender, age, national origin, or sexual orientation and treating all persons with respect, dignity, and within the parameters set out by law.