Racial Profiling, Stereo Typing and Fear of the Unknown

Many people are stopped and told they “Fit the description” or have been stopped for “walking in a high drug area” in which they may live.  Some people have been stopped for driving the proverbial “suspicious vehicle” or have had the police called on them simply because the caller says “I’ve never seen this person before.”  Before anyone says this doesn’t happen I can tell you “YES IT DOES!”  I’ve had it happen to me and I’ve heard and have responded to some of these calls.  This Saturday we’re going to continue having the hard talk.  Racial Profiling, Stereo Typing and Fear of the Unknown.  What happens in the midst of the 911 callers report to the Dispatcher, the Dispatcher relaying information to the Officer and the Officers response can mean the difference between life and death.  Somewhere in this chain of communication lies perception and prejudice.  Irrational fear based on personal prejudices and bias by the caller, responding Officer and Subject of the stop.  This is a delicate dance to a song being written in real time and nobody knows the beat. To join the conversation call 646-716-4621 and press 1 I do NOT speak for the City of Waco, the Waco Police Department, the Officers, Civilian Employees or Citizens of Waco.  My opinions are based on my personal and professional experiences.