What is a potential downside to "stop and frisk" practices?

The potential downside to "stop and frisk" practices lies in the impact they can have on community relations and perceptions of law enforcement. This approach often disproportionately targets marginalized communities, leading individuals to feel they are being unfairly singled out based on their race or ethnicity. As a result, this can foster perceptions of racial profiling, where people believe that their race rather than their behavior is the primary reason for the stops. Such perceptions can erode trust between the police and the community they serve, making individuals less likely to cooperate with law enforcement or seek help when needed. This distrust can undermine overall public safety and community cohesion, highlighting the importance of fair and equitable policing practices.