What is the meaning of racial profiling?

Racial profiling refers to the practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based solely on their race or ethnicity, rather than on any specific evidence or behavior that may indicate criminal activity. This practice is considered discriminatory because it unfairly associates certain racial or ethnic groups with higher rates of criminality, which can lead to unjust treatment, such as traffic stops or searches.

Understanding racial profiling is crucial because it highlights issues of equity and justice within law enforcement practices. It reveals how systemic biases can influence policing and the broader implications for community trust and relations with law enforcement. In contrast, other options describe legitimate policing methods or data collection that do not inherently involve discriminatory practices.