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- RACIAL PROFILING POLICY <br /> <br />- ~ OFTHE <br /> <br /> CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS <br /> <br /> I. PURPOSE <br /> <br />-- The purpose of the policy is to reaffirm the Paris Police Department's commitment to <br /> unbiased policing in all its encounters between officer and any person; to reinforce procedures that <br /> serve to ensure public confidence and mutual trust through the provision of services in a fair and <br />-- equitable fashion; and to protect our officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct when they <br /> act within the dictates of departmental policy and the law. This policy is adopted in compliance with <br /> the requirements of Articles 2.131 through 2.13 6, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. <br /> <br /> II. POLICY <br /> <br />-- It is the policy of this department to police in a proactive manner and, to aggressively <br /> investigate suspected violations of law. Officers shall actively enforce state and federal laws in a <br /> responsible and professional manner, without regard to race, ethnicity or national origin. Officers <br />-- are strictly prohibited from engaging in racial profiling as defined in this policy. This policy shall <br /> be applicable to all persons, whether drivers, passengers or pedestrians. <br /> <br />-- Officers shall conduct themselves in a dignified and respectftfl manner at all times when <br /> dealing with the public. Txvo of the fundamental rights guaranteed by both the United States and <br /> Texas constitutions are equal protection under the law and freedom from unreasonable searches and <br />-- seizures by government agents. The right of all persons to be treated equally and to be free from <br /> unreasonable searches and seizures must be respec[ed. Racial profiling is an unacceptable patrol <br /> tactic and will not be condoned. <br /> <br /> This policy shall not preclude officers from offering assistance, such as upon observing a <br />_ substance leaking from a vehicle, a fiat tire, or someone who appears to be ill, lost or confused. Nor <br /> does this policy prohibit stopping someone suspected of a crime based upon observed actions and/or <br /> information received about the person. <br /> <br /> III. DEFINITIONS <br /> <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 pertains <br />-- to persons who are viewed as suspects or potential suspects of criminal behavior. The term <br /> <br /> -~ _5 Page 1 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />