Police Entrance Practice Exam

How is 'profiling' defined in a policing context?

1. The act of randomly stopping vehicles for safety checks

2. The act of suspecting individuals based on their demographic characteristics

3. Chasing suspects based on behavioral patterns

4. The use of technology to predict crime locations

The correct answer is: The act of suspecting individuals based on their demographic characteristics

In a policing context, profiling is defined as the act of suspecting individuals based on their demographic characteristics. This practice often involves using various indicators, such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, and other personal attributes, to make judgments about a person's likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Profiling can be controversial, particularly when it leads to racial profiling, as it raises ethical and legal concerns regarding discrimination and civil rights. The focus on demographic characteristics can result in broad generalizations that overlook individual behavior and context, leading to potential misjudgments and implications for community relations. The other options represent different policing methods and strategies but do not capture the essence of profiling. Randomly stopping vehicles for safety checks relates to enforcement for public safety, chasing suspects involves response to specific incidents, and using technology to predict crime locations pertains to data analysis and surveillance, which are distinct from the concept of profiling based on inherent characteristics of individuals.