Which of the following best illustrates an example of racial profiling?

Racial profiling occurs when individuals are targeted for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity rather than any specific evidence or observable behavior. The correct answer reflects this definition by illustrating a scenario where individuals are singled out due to physical traits associated with their ethnicity.

This approach undermines the principles of fairness and equality in law enforcement, as it leads to assumptions about individuals solely based on their appearance, rather than their actions or any relevant information. Racial profiling is problematic because it can perpetuate stereotypes, erode trust between communities and law enforcement, and lead to unjust treatment of individuals.

The other choices involve policing practices grounded in observable actions or general safety measures. For instance, a police check based on observed criminal activity and conducting road safety checks rely on specific behaviors that indicate a need for intervention, which is not discriminatory in nature. While stopping individuals randomly may seem arbitrary, it does not inherently involve targeting based on race or ethnicity; it would depend on how it is implemented. Therefore, the emphasis in the correct choice is on racial and ethnic characteristics as the basis for law enforcement action, which clearly categorizes it as racial profiling.