Lone Star College System Racial Profiling Procedure

This procedure implements Board Policy CE (LEGAL) by reaffirming the Lone Star College System's commitment to unbiased policing in all its encounters between officers and students, Lone Star College System employees, and any member of the public; 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 Lone Star College System officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct when they act within the dictates of departmental practice and the laws of the State of Texas.

Policy

Lone Star College System police are to conduct their law enforcement activities in a proactive manner and, to thoroughly investigate suspected violations of law. Officers shall actively enforce state and federal laws in a responsible and professional manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, or national origin. Officers are strictly prohibited from engaging in racial profiling as defined in this procedure. This procedure shall be applicable to all persons, whether drivers, passengers or pedestrians.

Officers shall conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner at all times when dealing with the students, Lone Star College System employees, and members of the public. Racial profiling is an unacceptable patrol tactic and will not be condoned.

This procedure shall not preclude officers from stopping a person suspected of a crime based upon observed actions and/or information received about the person. This procedure shall not preclude officers from offering assistance, such as observing a substance leaking from a vehicle, a flat tire, or observing someone who appears to be ill, lost, or confused.

Public Education

The Lone Star College System will inform the public of this procedure regarding racial profiling and the complaint process by service presentations, at each college and center, as part of the Lone Star College System catalogue, through the District website and by other means designed to reach the Lone Star College System students, employees, and members of the public. Additionally, information will be made available as appropriate in languages other than English.

Training

All officers shall complete a TCLEOSE training and education program on racial profiling not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is licensed under Chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code or the date the officer applies for an intermediate proficiency certificate, whichever date is earlier. A person who on September 1, 2001, held a TCLEOSE intermediate proficiency certificate, or who had held a peace officer license issued by TCLEOSE for at least two years, shall complete a TCLEOSE training and education program on racial profiling not later than September 1, 2003.

More on the LSCS racial profiling policy:    Definitions   ||   Citation Data Collection & Reporting   ||   Complaint Investigation