According to the law, what does racial profiling entail?

Racial profiling involves law enforcement actions that are based primarily on an individual's race or ethnicity, rather than on their behavior or any specific evidence that would indicate criminal activity. This practice is considered discriminatory and undermines public trust in law enforcement. The definition captures the essence of racial profiling as it emphasizes the inappropriate consideration of race or ethnicity in making decisions about whom to investigate, stop, or arrest.

In the context of other options, police action based on a driver's license status does not directly relate to racial profiling, as it pertains to verification of legal driving status rather than an individual's race. Similarly, actions taken due to suspicious behavior focus on specific actions or activities rather than racial or ethnic characteristics. Lastly, arresting individuals based solely on their socioeconomic status also misses the core element of racial profiling, as it is not inherently tied to race or ethnicity but rather economic circumstances. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the critical and unlawful practice of relying on race or ethnicity in law enforcement decisions.