What does implicit bias affect in a policing context?

In a policing context, implicit bias significantly impacts understanding and decision-making processes. Implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that influence our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. When law enforcement personnel exhibit implicit biases, it can color their perception of individuals and situations, leading to decisions that are not based solely on objective evidence or behavior. For example, a police officer may unintentionally view a person of a certain racial or ethnic background as more suspicious based on societal stereotypes, which can influence their judgment and actions, such as whether to stop, question, or arrest an individual.

This effect can undermine fair policing and the establishment of trust between law enforcement and communities. It emphasizes the importance of training and awareness programs aimed at identifying and mitigating implicit biases among officers to promote equitable treatment and enhance community relationships. In contrast, while financial budgeting decisions, internal communications, and training schedules for officers are important aspects of police operations, they are not directly influenced by the unconscious attitudes and judgments that characterize implicit bias in the same manner as understanding and decision-making are.