Racial Profiling – Rhode Island
"Racial profiling is one, not effective, two, not fair, and, three, not conducive to good relations between law enforcement and communities. It should be a three-strikes-and-you're-out policy."
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Greg Arzoomanian, AIUSA
How Rhode Island Rates in Protection From Racial Profiling
Rhode Island's racial profiling laws are empowered by a pragmatic and effective definition. This definition acknowledges that racial profiling almost always contains (in addition to be being based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin) multiple other characteristics such as gender, age, or geographic location. In addition, Rhode Island gives its citizens the right to urge its courts to compel police compliance with racial profiling laws. However, Rhode Island's racial profiling law ignores the very real problem of racial profiling against religious minorities, who have been increasingly targeted since September 11, 2001. Rhode Island also does not have an independent civilian board to review complaints. By not providing citizens a means to report racial profiling, Rhode Island will not be able to provide effective, remedial services.Protection from racial profiling: Insufficient
Members of Congress supporting the End Racial Profiling Act of 2004: None