Friday, March 29, 2024

End profiling

Lansing police are taking steps to end racial profiling

The Lansing police’s attempt to stop racial profiling is a step in the right direction, but it will not get to the core of the problem.

The police will be using demographic data from all traffic stops to help track racial profiling. MSU police have been doing it, and the East Lansing police are working on a strategy that will do the same.

The data will be interpreted to determine how often it happens. The officers have also received training on what racial profiling is and how to prevent it. The department is working on getting the patrol cars equipped with computers which will keep track of the demographic data.

The public was also invited to take part in the same training on racial profiling on Saturday and Sunday in Lansing. They received the same kind of information the police will.

MSU police officials have been using a 12-point plan since November to help improve relations between minorities and police officers. The plan includes the use of cameras in patrol cars, collecting demographic data and diversity training classes with students.

Diversity training will help those who are ignorant of the errors they are making, but it will not stop someone who is targeting specific groups. The steps the police are taking helps to achieve their goal of a racially aware department, but does not reach the core of the problem.

The collection of demographic data is helpful in determining where racial profiling is coming from, instead of relying on the public - who might not report it. They also help determine who is committing what crimes so they can figure out why.

These attempts at ending racial profiling need to be taken seriously. If they do not act on their plan and recognize that bias should not be tolerated, then it is not going to stop.

Those who are habitual offenders deserve to lose their job.

The public should also keep in mind officers are not the “bad guys.” They don’t have an easy job. Police officers are there to help protect the public and enforce the law.

It is also important this issue be discussed in rural areas, not just in cities. In Lansing, racial profiling is an issue that is given a lot of attention. But in places without groups like the American Civil Liberties Union or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, this issue could go on without notice.

Racial profiling should be focused on all over the state. By not approaching the subject everywhere, it will not be dealt with appropriately.

The police may not set out to attack one certain race, but there are obvious problems.

Through diversity training, the police department is helping to stop some racial profiling problems.

But it won’t completely destroy the problem.

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