The term "Racial Profiling" is used to describe the initiation of police traffic stops based on the race of the driver. On January 21, 2000, the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) established an “Enforcement Profiling Policy” that prohibited police action based “solely” on race.

In October 2000, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) authorized the Alpert Group to conduct a police research study regarding racial profiling in MDPD.  The BCC also established a Racial Profiling Advisory Board (RPAB) to participate in all aspects of the study, including the public dissemination of findings and recommendations.

The Alpert Group conducted its study of MDPD traffic stops and submitted its report to MDPD in November 2004. MDPD released the report five months later. The report found no evidence that MDPD officers were stopping drivers because of their race; however, Black motorists were more likely to be searched and arrested following a traffic stop.

 MDPD Racial Profiling Study 

The Independent Review Panel, in coordination with the Miami-Dade Office of Community Relations and the County Manager's Office, hosted a Community Forum on the MDPD Racial Profiling Study in September 2005. Its purpose was to hear Dr. Alpert's presentation regarding his study, and receive comments the Miami-Dade Police Department and the community. 

IRP Racial Profiling Report 

The Racial Profiling Advisory Board (RPAB) held a community meeting on May 20, 2006 to present its proposed Findings and Recommendations for community input.

RPAB Findings and Recommendations 

County Manager's Response