Final answer:
The use of race or ethnicity alone to determine reasonable suspicion is a form of racial profiling, which is illegal and unethical. It leads to discrimination and disparity in policing practices, which negatively impacts trust between communities and police. Efforts to educate and reform are necessary to address these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
An individual suspect's race or ethnicity should not be considered by itself when determining reasonable suspicion. The practice of racial profiling refers to law enforcement's use of an individual's race or ethnicity as a basis for suspecting them of a crime. This method is illegal and has been widely criticized for encouraging discrimination and injustice, as well as damaging community relations with the police. Notably, former leaders from law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and NYPD, have acknowledged the occurrence of racial profiling. High-profile incidents and protests in cities like Ferguson, Staten Island, Baltimore, Louisville, and Minneapolis have highlighted the consequences of biased policing practices.
Driving While Black (DWB) and Driving While Brown (DWB) are terms that illustrate the discriminatory nature of traffic stops, with research showing that Black individuals and Latinos are disproportionately targeted. Studies indicate that Black and Hispanic people face more aggressive police tactics and higher arrest rates than their White counterparts. Racism and disparities in police practices lead to unequal treatment throughout the criminal justice process, including sentencing, where Black, male, less educated, and lower income individuals tend to receive harsher penalties.
These issues of discrimination and bias within policing have profound impacts on communities, leading to a lack of trust in law enforcement and a sense of fear among civilians, especially among Black citizens. Educating police forces, reforming policies, and promoting equity in law enforcement are vital steps toward addressing these systemic problems and fostering justice and respect for all individuals.