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Racial Profiling In The Criminal Justice System

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Racial profiling is everywhere. A black or brown colored person can’t go shopping without being followed, or they can’t drive without being stopped based on their race or ethnicity. Racial profiling defined by U.S department of Justice as: Any police-initiated action that relies on the race,ethnicity,or national origin rather than the behavior of an individual or information that leads the police to a particular individual who has been identified as being, or having been,engaged in criminal activity. ( United States Department of Justice, 2000). Racial Profiling is an occurring problem in the U.S that needs to stop. Racial Profiling is one of the most active pressing issues in the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system has and …show more content…
On March 3, 1991 in Los Angeles an African American man was pulled over for traffic violation, he had been speeding and took police a 15-minute car chase. According to police Rodney emerged from his car in a aggressive manner that suggested he might have been high or on drugs. A number of officers confronted and handcuffed King. They delivered 50 blows with their batons, numerous kicks, and two 50,000 volt shocks from a taser gun. While twenty other officers stood by and watched the beating. On April 29,1992 the four officers were found not guilty of committing any crimes against Rodney King. A year later LAPD sergeant stacey Koon and officer Powell were convicted by a federal jury for violating the civil rights of Rodney King after riots in Los Angeles. Another example is the case of 1997 involving Abner Louima, who is a haitian immigrant that was abused by new york city police officers. Mr. Louima suffered a torn bladder and intestine, the police officers rammed a toilet plunger up his rectum and mouth at the Brooklyn police station. Several of the officers pled guilty or were convicted in federal courts. For most recent case in 2011 Kenneth Chamberlain Sr, a 67- year old African AMerican who was unarmed was shot to death by White Plains New York police Officers. Chamberlain who is a retired veteran of the U.S Marine Corps, suffered from chronic heart condition and wore appendant to signal life Aid, had mistakenly triggered his medical alert, and although he told police he was ok and didn't need assistance he still ended up in a hour long standoff with police. Witnesses reported the officers using the “N” word. Police would eventually break into chamberlain apartment and shot him with a stun gun and beanbag shotgun. Recently the District Attorney's office announced they would present the case to a grand

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Racial Profiling 
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