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Appendix B <br />Paris Police Department <br />Racial Profiling Policy <br />I. PURPOSE <br />The purpose of the policy is to reaffirm the Paris Police Department's commitment to <br />unbiased policing in all its encounters between officers and any person; to reinforce <br />procedures that serve to ensure public confidence and mutual trust through the provision of <br />services in a fair and equitable fashion; and to protect our officers from unwarranted <br />accusations of misconduct when they act within the dictates of departmental policy and law. <br />This policy is adopted in compliance with the requirements of Articles 2.131 through 2.136, <br />Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. <br />H. POLICY <br />It is the policy of this department to police in a proactive manner and to aggressively <br />investigate suspected violations of law. Officers sha.ll actively enforce state and federal laws <br />in a responsible and professional manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, or national origin. <br />Officers are strictly prohibited from engaging in racial profiling as defined in this policy. <br />This policy shall be applicable to all persons, whether drivers, passengers or pedestrians. <br />Officers shall conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner at all times when <br />dealing with the public. Two of the fundamental rights guaranteed by both the United States <br />and Texas constitutions are equal protection under the law and freedom from unreasonable <br />searches and seizures by government agents. The right of all persons to be treated equally <br />and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures must be respected. Racial profiling is <br />an unacceptable patrol tactic and will not be condoned. <br />This policy shall not preclude officers from offering assistance, such as upon observing a <br />substance leaking from a vehicle, a flat tire, or someone who appears to be ill, lost or <br />confused. Nor does this policy prohibit stopping someone suspected of a crime based upon <br />observed actions and/or information received about the person. <br />III. DEFINITIONS <br />A. Racial Profiling: means a law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's race, <br />ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual's behavior or on information <br />identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity. Racial profiling <br />pertains to persons who are viewed as suspects or potential suspects of criminal behavior. <br />The term is not relevant as it pertains to witnesses, complainants, persons needing <br />assistance, or other citizen contacts. <br />16 <br />