'Ethnic Profiling' is the use of an individual's race or ethnicity by law enforcement personnel as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement. The practice is controversial and is illegal in most jurisdictions. Although Article 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights clearly states that any discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, color, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or status is forbidden, law enforcement official often claim that effective policing is not possible without using such indicators. This assertion is supported by the affirmation, that police work is effective when such indicators are used and furthermore is ineffective or even impossible when all citizens would be treated equally. Especially after the 9/11 attacks 'Ethnic Profiling' was considered as an effective means to combat terrorists and indeed US measures over a long period of time have successfully averted any successful incident on US American soil. This approach was copied by several countries although the preconditions in these countries were dissimilar and sometimes combating terrorism was not the real goal behind these measures. The presentation firstly will clarify the legal situation especially in Europe and consequently explain what have to be considered as Ethnic Profiling and what not. Jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights will be incorporated in this evaluation. Eventually the effectiveness of Ethnic Profiling will be analyzed. The presentation is not aimed to discredit contemporary policing; it should rather sensitize law enforcement officials and their superiors about the consequences of their acting.
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