To understand racial profiling, we must first define it correctly. Although different authors use different criteria for the term racial profiling, Merriam-Webster's definition for the word racial is “of, relating to, or based on race (Merriam-Webster, 2006; p. 855). » The dictionary definition for profiling is “the act of suspecting or targeting a person solely on the basis of observed characteristics or behaviors (Merriam-Webster, 2006; p. 830). » Based on these definitions, racial profiling could be defined for criminal justice purposes as targeting a person based solely on their racial characteristics. Most people, including law enforcement officers, would consider racial profiling based on this definition to be ethically wrong. However, there is a case to be made for the use of racial profiling in certain circumstances. Critics say racial profiling has no place in the justice system because it targets minorities who are not necessarily doing something illegal. They argue that the evidence demonstrating racial profiling as an effective tool in the arsenal of law enforcement is flawed and that those targeted are actually less likely to commit illegal acts than others who do not. are not, because those who are not are less likely to commit illegal acts. get caught, while those who are targeted are much more likely to be caught doing something illegal, so they will carry out less illegal activity. Evidence supporting racial profiling indicates that this argument is invalid because many illegal acts are cited as being committed by minorities. , particularly in terms of gang activity. Many people believe that racial profiling is ethically justified because to obtain a suspect, an officer must look for someone with a certain character...... middle of paper ...... Brian's point of view and he believed that all racial profiling is wrong (Fredrickson, 2002; p. 166). Conclusion Based on these and other authors, it can be argued that racial profiling is not, in itself, an unethical practice. However, it must be used precisely to be morally sound. This method includes its use as a tool in the investigative process and not before it has been determined that a crime has been committed. It must also be used in a specific way: to describe an individual suspect and not a group of people suspected of committing one crime or another. The witness's background and biases must be taken into account, and racial profiling must be carried out equally and without favoring any racial group. Once these steps are taken into account, racial profiling cannot be considered unethical..