Like all research, the results are only as good as the data that was collected. I would first find quality, reliable, non-controversial data (facts) to use before moving forward. Do some research on how justice departments define racial profiling. Figure out how profiling events are recorded. Get some answers on how and why profiling is used. Where are the databases? Who has access to them? What kind of data is captured? What is your hypothesis and/or story-line? What types of profiling events will you be examining and why?
If you come up with some interesting data, people might be inclined to participate. I think your original intention is a bit vague. You stated you want to make a map showing where the police use racial profiling, but how do you intend to do that? and why? and who is your audience? If you haven't conducted any research yet, how do you know large scale profiling events have in fact occurred? And if you discover that they have, what point are you making exactly? That it is detrimental? That is leads to riots? That it is a symptom of something else. Just events alone doesn't produce a captivating story. What are the facts showing the viewer?
I'm not sure media reporting is an accurate and factual resource to use for something like this. Media reports are often inaccurate, particularly early on in an event, and are glamorized to sell advertisement space. Not a great reference. It could be an interesting story map, depending on who your intended audience is and the quality of the data you use.
