What is defined as the practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity?

The practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity is specifically termed racial profiling. This concept is grounded in the systemic issue where law enforcement may rely on race or ethnic background as a primary factor in suspecting individuals of criminal activity, rather than on objective evidence or behavior.

Racial profiling can result in significant harm, fostering mistrust between communities and law enforcement, leading to over-policing of certain demographic groups. It raises serious ethical and legal concerns as it undermines the principles of equality and justice. Concepts like evidentiary bias and discrimination in policing relate to broader issues of fairness and objectivity within law enforcement, while ethnic targeting could be a general term but lacks the specific legal and social implications associated with racial profiling. Racial profiling has been widely criticized for promoting stereotypes and perpetuating discrimination.