T.S.
That doesn't sound PC, that just sounds like lousy reporting!
I live in what has to be one of THE most "PC" places in the country (the San Francisco/Berkeley bay area) and I can tell you suspects and/or missing people are always described as "caucasian, african american, hispanic, etc" in addition to other details, hair/eye color, height, age.
Like I said, sounds like lousy reporting, change the channel :)