Discretionary stops can be considered a violation due to which characteristics?

Discretionary stops can be viewed as a violation due to their arbitrary, intrusive, and discriminatory nature. These characteristics highlight the potential for abuse of power and the negative impact on community trust.

When a stop is arbitrary, it means that the decision to stop an individual is not based on objective criteria or reasonable suspicion. This can lead to randomness in law enforcement practices, undermining the fairness and reliability of policing.

Being intrusive refers to the invasive nature of a stop. A discretionary stop can significantly disrupt an individual's day, infringe upon their personal freedom, and lead to feelings of humiliation or fear, particularly in communities that may already feel targeted by law enforcement.

Discriminatory characteristics highlight the potential for racial profiling, where individuals may be stopped based on their race, ethnicity, or other similar traits rather than on behavior. This practice can perpetuate systemic inequalities and erode community relationships with law enforcement.

These characteristics underscore the critical need for accountability and transparency in policing practices, promoting fair treatment for all individuals to preserve community trust and legitimacy in law enforcement actions.