What term describes a law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's ethnicity rather than their behavior?

The term that describes a law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's ethnicity rather than their behavior is racial profiling. This practice involves making assumptions about individuals or groups based on race or ethnicity instead of focusing on their actions or the evidence at hand. Racial profiling is a contentious issue that raises concerns about civil rights and the fairness of law enforcement practices. It can lead to discrimination and perpetuate stereotypes, undermining community trust and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

In contrast, bias profiling, while somewhat related, can refer to any form of prejudice that affects law enforcement practices, not limited to race alone. Community engagement emphasizes the collaboration between law enforcement and community members to build trust and improve public safety. Criminal profiling, on the other hand, involves analyzing behavior patterns and evidence to identify potential suspects, which focuses on actions rather than ethnicity. Thus, racial profiling is specifically linked to ethnicity as the basis for police action, making it the correct term in this context.