The Question of Racial Profiling

Aired on NBC's Dateline, this timely three-part production tackles the explosive issue of racial profiling. Primarily focusing on Cincinnati, Ohio (where, in September 2005, police used a Taser on a black 12-year-old elementary schoolgirl), the Dateline crew spent 14 months investigating traffic pullovers, riding along with Officer Dammert, who claims that he's only playing offense as a part of the “proactive policing” that his job requires. However, when an innocent black man—one of many black men and women stopped by Dammert—goes to the station and asks four times to file a complaint, he's told by Dammert and his supervisor that there is nothing to report. The second part follows the story of Tim Thomas, a 19-year-old black man who, unarmed, was murdered by CPD cops in April 2001, setting off three nights of rioting around the city. Although Thomas had 14 warrants for his arrest, all were for missed court dates stemming from traffic violations (over a two-month period, Thomas was cited for 21 violations by 10 different officers). The final section examines state records and statistics supporting the argument that racial profiling is prevalent. Featuring commentary from civic leaders, law enforcement personnel, and community members (the Justice Dept. declined an interview), this topnotch program is sure to spark classroom debate. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C. (J. Williams-Wood)