OFF THE WIRE
BY: Brad Betz
Source: salem-news.com
Profiling can happen in any community and is based upon the biases of local law enforcement. Such is the situation that occurred in our little town on Saturday, Oct. 23.
Images from the event to raise funds for Mario Pastega House in Corvallis, Oregon courtesy: Brad Bentz
(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Some would say that profiling is not common in our little neck of the woods, but others would suggest that it occurs every day. Some would argue that it is an effective crime fighting tool, while others would protest that it is a violation of civil liberties.
The reality is that profiling has evolved over the course of American history. During World War II, profiling was used as an excuse to detain Japanese Americans and to seize their hard-earned property.
The emergence of a strong Latino American community has seen Hispanics profiled as illegal immigrants and potential drug dealers. In a post 9-11 America, profiling has become an acceptable deterrent to “preventing” terrorist activity, but in truth serves to legitimize discrimination of people who appear to be Middle Eastern. It is well documented that police have historically detained black drivers due only to the color of their skin. But potential victims of profiling are not solely limited by racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Profiling can happen in any community and is based upon the biases of local law enforcement. Such is the situation that occurred in our little town on Saturday, Oct. 23.
Advertisements had gone out weeks in advance to announce a fundraiser to support a local non-profit, the Mario Pastega House. The intentions were admirable, the cause not uncommon, but the hosts were quickly labeled as social deviants because they wore leather jackets and rode motorcycles.
A local club, known as the Linn County Raiders, arranged the event in an attempt to “give back” to the community. As a result of their efforts, the Albany City Police Department dispatched a photographer and undercover detectives to record all of the people who attended and supported this charity fundraiser.
License plates were documented and reported, faces were photographed; all in the name of fighting crime. There was only one problem - no criminals were identified, no outstanding warrants were issued, and no DUIs were written.
Tax payer money was used to thwart the enemy at the gate, but none arrived. This misguided justification of singling out certain groups for police attention is narrow minded and ineffective. If local police continue to limit their definition of what a criminal “looks like”, they will overlook the obvious results. Their unjust profiling, and the ensuing tension between officers and community, will eventually manifest as an irreparable broken trust.
Police profiling is a reminder of an ugly historical bias in America. There is no excuse why any law-abiding American citizen should feel they are being singled out and falsely accused by those who should exemplify trust and fairness. Profiling in America promotes discrimination, strips individuals of their security, and continues to scar the face of Lady Liberty.
Note: The Mario Pastega House, on the campus of Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, is a comfortable “home away from home” for out-of-area patients and families traveling to Corvallis for specialized medical care. Learn more: Mario Pastega House - Samaritan Health Services
