A recent analysis by Guardian Australia suggests that Victorian police may be engaging in discriminatory practices by disproportionately targeting people of African appearance with warrantless searches. The investigation highlights that about 20% of searches do not include data on the ethnic appearance of individuals, which raises concerns over potential racial profiling. This lack of data collection conflicts with the Victoria police's earlier commitment made in 2013 to monitor and prevent discriminatory searches based on racial bias.

The article delves into a review of warrantless searches conducted in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023, focusing on the discrepancy in 'hit rates' between searches of individuals perceived to be of African descent versus those of white appearance. The examination of these hit rates serves as a critical indicator of whether police actions align with claims of reasonable suspicion or if they reveal patterns of racial targeting. These findings raise serious questions about the accountability of law enforcement agencies and their adherence to equitable policing standards.

As communities become increasingly aware of the implications of such profiling, this report calls for a deeper examination of police practices and the structures that enable these disparities. The lack of adequate data collection to track ethnic appearance during searches not only undermines efforts to promote fair policing but also erodes public trust in law enforcement. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that policing remains fair and just for all community members.