Biased Based Policing Essay
What is bias-based policing, and what can police leaders do to address it? What are the unique challenges facing supervisors in dealing with this issue?
Bias-based policing, also known as racial profiling, is a form of policing where law enforcement officers use an individual’s race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics as the primary reason for suspecting them of criminal activity. It is perpetuated by targeting some members of the community. For example, in the United State there is high rates at which non-Whites, especially African Americans are stopped, questioned, cited, arrested, or injured by the police. This type of policing is a serious problem that undermines community trust and can lead to discrimination and civil rights violationsThere are several ways that police leaders can address bias-based policing within their departments. One of the most effective ways is to implement evidence-based policing, including policies and procedures that prohibit bias-based policing and provide clear guidelines for officers on how to identify and report bias-based policing. These policies and procedures should also include a system for tracking and investigating complaints of bias-based policing, as well as disciplinary actions for officers who engage in it.
Another important step that police leaders can take is to provide training to officers on cultural competency, bias awareness, and de-escalation techniques. This type of training can help officers to understand the impact of bias-based policing on communities and to develop the skills to interact with diverse populations in a respectful and professional manner.
Police leaders can also address bias-based policing by creating opportunities for community engagement and building trust. This can include establishing community policing programs that foster positive relationships between officers and community members, as well as providing opportunities for community members to provide feedback and input on department policies and procedures.Furthermore, Police leaders can also address bias-based policing by promoting diversity and inclusion within the department. This can include recruiting a diverse group of officers, and providing equal opportunities for career advancement and promotions. Additionally, leadership should establish a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity, where everyone is held to the same standard, and where everyone is held accountable for their actions.
Bias-based policing is a serious problem that undermines community trust and can lead to discrimination and civil rights violations. Police leaders can address bias-based policing by implementing policies and procedures that prohibit bias-based policing, providing training to officers on cultural competency, bias awareness, and de-escalation techniques, creating opportunities for community engagement and building trust, promoting diversity and inclusion within the department, and establishing a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity.
References
1. Influence of Implicit-Bias Training on the Cultural Competency of Police Officers (Dissertation)
2. Improving Law Enforcement Cross Cultural Competencies through Continued Education (Journal of Education and Learning)
3. What the data say about police brutality and racial bias — and which reforms might work (Nature Journal Article)
4. Racial Bias and Disparities in Proactive Policing (E-Book)