Empirical studies have shown that in the United States, the biased response of police officers is to consistently stop, search, and arrest Blacks and Hispanics at higher rates than whites and other non-minority citizens (Hurwitz and Peffley 2005). Similarly, ethnic profiling in France and Australia is evident through decisions by police to routinely stop minorities and immigrants to question and search them often without valid probable cause. There is extensive discussion and data on underlying factors related to discriminatory policing practices here in the United States. However, no study to date has focused on a comparative approach across countries. The research conducted here compares the United States, France, and Australia. Reviewing specific instances of police misconduct, this analysis presents evidence of a relationship between police violence, minorities, and economically disadvantaged populations regardless of the country. While the aspects of race and minority status are prevailing factors, surprisingly, the impetus to provide protection to minority populations is often non-existent. These findings contribute to existing analyses, as it combines experiences of different cultures and provides a platform for further discussion and research into minority status and its effects on law enforcement.
