For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACTS CONSTITUTING RACIAL PROFILING. Acts initiating law enforcement action, such as a traffic stop, a detention, a search, issuance of a citation, or an arrest based solely upon an individuals race, ethnicity or nation origin or on the basis of racial or ethnic stereotypes, rather than upon the individuals behavior, information identifying the individual as having possibly engaged in criminal activity, or other lawful reasons for the law enforcement action.
PEDESTRIAN STOP. An interaction between a peace officer and an individual who is being detained for the purposes of a criminal investigation in which the individual is not under arrest.
RACE or ETHNICITY. Of particular descent, including Caucasian, African, Hispanic, Asian or Native American descent.
RACIAL PROFILING. A law enforcement-initiated action based on an individuals race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individuals behavior or on information identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity. RACIAL PROFILING pertains to persons who are viewed as suspects or potential suspects of criminal behavior. The term is not relevant as it pertains to witnesses, complainants, persons needing assistance or other citizen contacts.
TRAFFIC STOP. The stopping of a motor vehicle by a peace officer for an alleged violation of law or ordinance regulating traffic.
(Ord. 2002-07, passed 2-18-2002)