ABSTRACT
CONTENTS Introduction............................................................................................ 239 Definition of Profiling............................................................................. 241 Debated Pros and Cons of Profiling........................................................ 243
Pros................................................................................................ 243 Cons .............................................................................................. 244
Profiling and Terrorism........................................................................... 245 Efforts to End Profiling........................................................................... 247 Conclusion.............................................................................................. 249 Endnotes ................................................................................................. 249
Introduction Profiling is a very complex issue because no standard laws expressly forbid the practice, and its use in law enforcement varies and is not discernable in some cases. Although some officials at the federal, state, and local levels condemn the practice as discriminatory and contra to the principles of the equal rights, others justify it as a viable means to combat specific types of crimes. In the absence of specific laws, the courts have relied upon interpretations of constitutional amendments on a case-by-case basis. To further confuse the issue, policies are being put in
place at the federal level that allow security and law enforcement agencies to target specific groups when in the interest of national security. This is a very broad justification that allows for varied interpretations. Demands for laws completely forbidding the practice have been elevated to the national level because of continuing reports of discrimination by law enforcement agents. While each side of the issue postulates the pros and cons of profiling, statistics are becoming more readily available on the use of profiling. These statistics are part of the basis for national reforms to end the practice.
