The University Park Police Department wants the public to know that its officers are prohibited from racially profiling individuals and can only take law enforcement action based on a person's behavior or information that identifies someone as having been involved in criminal activity.

According a statement from the UP Police Department about racial profiling, officers cannot initiate "any action against any person based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, age, cultural group, national origin or any other identifiable group."

"We would like the public to (know) our policy and if there are any concerns or issues to contact us," said Lita Snellgrove, the UPPD's public information officer, in an email.

Anyone who thinks a UP Police Officer has engaged in "racial or bias based profiling" can file a complaint with the Office of the Chief, which will be investigated.