What does "bias-based profiling" imply?

Bias-based profiling refers to law enforcement practices where decisions are made based on perceived traits or characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, rather than on an individual's actual behavior or the facts of a specific situation. This approach can lead to discriminatory practices and undermine public trust in law enforcement, as it often targets individuals based on stereotypes that may not reflect their actual behavior or criminal activity.

The implication of bias-based profiling is significant, as it highlights the need for fair and just policing practices that prioritize individual actions and evidence over preconceived notions about specific groups. In contrast, the other choices do not align with the definition of bias-based profiling. For instance, using statistical data for arrests may reflect informed practices based on actual patterns and incidents rather than prejudicial judgments. Similarly, applying the law equally emphasizes fairness, which is opposite to what bias-based profiling denotes, while identifying suspects solely based on past criminal records could point to a legitimate investigative focus rather than bias-based profiling.