What is the definition of "racial profiling" in law enforcement?

Racial profiling is defined specifically as the discriminatory practice of targeting individuals based on their race or ethnicity. This definition highlights the problematic nature of using race as a sole criterion for suspicion or intervention, which can lead to unfair treatment and systemic bias within law enforcement practices. The focus in racial profiling is on the presumption that minority groups are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, an assumption that lacks a factual basis and perpetuates stereotypes.

Other options present varying forms of profiling or monitoring, but they do not capture the essence of racial profiling as it pertains to race or ethnicity specifically. For example, while targeting based on socio-economic status might reflect certain discriminatory practices, it does not specifically address race. Monitoring based on criminal history emphasizes previous behavior rather than an individual’s race. Lastly, identifying individuals through demographic surveys also misses the discriminatory focus on race in the context of law enforcement, as it deals with general demographic information rather than targeting practices.