23.00 Racial Profiling Policy
23.01 Purpose:
The purpose of the policy is to reaffirm the Daingerfield - Lone Star ISD Police Department's commitment to unbiased policing in all of it's encounters between officer and any person; to reinforce procedures that serve to ensure public confidence and mutual trust through the provision of services in a fair and equitable fashion; and to protect our officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct when they act within the dictates of departmental policies and the law.
23.02 Policy:
It is the policy of this department in a proactive manner and, to investigate suspected violations of the law. Officers shall actively enforce state and federal laws in a responsible and professional manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, or national origin. Officers are strictly prohibited from engaging in racial profiling as defined in this policy. This policy shall be applicable to all persons, whether drivers or passengers or pedestrians.
Officers shall conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner at all times when dealing with the public. Two of the fundamental rights guaranteed by both the United States and Texas Constitutions are equal protection under the law and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents. The right of all persons to be treated equally and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures must be respected. Racial Profiling is an unacceptable patrol tactic and it will not be condoned. This policy shall not prelude officers from offering assistance, such as upon observing a substance leaking from a vehicle, a flat tire, or someone who appears to be ill or confused. Nor does this policy prohibit stopping someone who is suspected of a crime based upon observed actions and/or information received about a person.