Racial profiling is the practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race or ethnicity rather than any specific evidence of wrongdoing. This can occur in various situations, such as police stops, searches, or surveillance, where assumptions are made based on a person's appearance. Critics argue that racial profiling can lead to discrimination and reinforce negative stereotypes about certain groups. It can also result in a lack of trust between communities and law enforcement, making it harder to ensure public safety and promote equality under the law.