What Is Racial Profiling?
Racial profiling is when law enforcement targets a person or a group of people based off of their race. Targeting people for race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin is illegal and unconstitutional. This police practice breeds mistrust in communities and in turn, creates hostility between the police and the people. But, can a police abuse lawyer in New York help?
It occurs in many different forms and harms our communities. Situations when racial profiling occurs includes police pulling over cars, stopping pedestrians on the street, or arresting someone based off of their race.
What Constitutes As Racial Profiling?
People are frequently approached and are told by police that they “fit the description” of a person they are looking for. It is not racial profiling when an officer is seeking out a suspect with a specific description that includes race. However, just because you merely have the same skin color as a suspect does not mean you “fit the description.”
The NYPD had a policy of indirect racial profiling that was implemented for a year. While this policy has since been deemed illegal, there are many people who have been victims of racial profiling because of it, while it was intact. Some police officers are still using the same illegal practices that were under this policy even though it has been held unconstitutional.
Can An Attorney Help You Get Justice?
Those victims of racial profiling are entitled to justice. If you or a loved one have been a victim of racial profiling, you should seek out the advice of an experienced attorney. The elite team of attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been targeted because of their race. If you are not sure if you have been a victim of racial profiling call our free consultation line at (646) 396-3032.