Ethics and Racial Profiling

Running Head: ETHICS IN RACIAL PROFILING 1

Ethics in Racial Profiling

Betty Boatwright

CRJS420-1303-A-02

08/11/2013

ETHICS IN RACIAL PROFILING 2

Abstract

Is racial profiling a matter of discretion or ethics? In this paper discretion and ethics will be discussed, in references of racial profiling. The ethical and moral dimension of racial profiling will be provided. Also, there will be three (3) examples of ethics and code of ethics given, along with some forms of police force and which ethical or moral concept are presented through racial profiling.

ETHICS IN RACIAL PROFILING 3

Is racial profiling a matter of discretion or ethics? Racial profiling is a law enforcement practice that refers to law enforcement officials substation race, ethnicity, nation origin, or religion, to any degree for probable causes. So, "yes" racial profiling is a matter of ethics, whereas, discretion is having the right to make choices too one's own judgement (Savive's, 2012). The code of ethics states that an officer's acting duty is to protect the innocent, the weak against oppression and keep peace against violence and disorder. Other words, racial profiling is unethical, immoral and unconstitutional behavior.

Three code of ethics that were chosen are:

• Code of Moral Ethics is our value systems that we live by and believe in. Morality is our conscience that gives us the ability to determine what is right and what is wrong. This code differs between individual.

• Code of Personal Ethics is how we as humans maintain our own integrity, how we behave or interact with others. This is also referred to as code of conduct.

• Code of Professional Ethics is how we behave and interact with our colleagues in the professional arena. Having good professional ethics also helps individuals grow and see others as equals.

Theory Ethics

• Applied Ethics involves testing certain controversial issues such as; abortion, animal rights, capital punishment, environmental concerns ect….

• Metaethis Ethics searches where our principles come from and where they stand

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• Normative Ethics this is articulating right or wrong conduct. The right behavior and habits we should obtain the duties we should follow and the consequences of our behavior on others (Fieser, 2009).

We judge people when we first meet them because of past influences and we put individuals looks with their personality,