Police officers' experiences with racial profiling within their ethnically diverse community: a narrative inquiry

Abstract

Very few racial profiling studies explore police officers' experiences when interacting with residents in ethnically diverse neighbourhoods while on patrol. This qualitative study explored police officers' narratives of experiences between their community and the police in regards to racial profiling issues in law enforcement. Interviews were conducted with police officers of different ethnic backgrounds from various law enforcement agencies located in the South Bay region of Southern California. Findings support that beliefs about racial profiling are often influenced by misrepresentation of police in the media and community demographics. Incidents of profiling exist but are not as widespread as portrayed. There are severe consequences of unfavourable perceptions or beliefs from community members surrounding racial profiling. Law enforcement officers understand these perceptions and are making strides to reach out to the communities they serve and address any perceptions or beliefs that may be emerging before the media plays a role in misrepresentation.