Biased-based policing?

• A. A policy that requires unbiased policing
• B. A discipline strategy that reduces bias through training
• C. A standard operating procedure to ensure consistency
• D. A discrimination in performing law enforcement duties based on personal officer prejudices

Answer: (D)

Biased-based policing is when enforcement decisions are driven by a officer’s personal prejudices rather than facts, evidence, or the law. This means someone might be stopped, searched, or targeted more harshly simply because of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics, which is discriminatory and unethical.

The option that best fits describes discrimination in performing law enforcement duties based on personal officer prejudices, which is exactly what biased-based policing is. Policies or training aimed at unbiased policing or reducing bias are about preventing or addressing bias, not about the practice itself. A standard operating procedure for consistency helps ensure fair procedures, but it doesn’t capture the discriminatory act that biased-based policing represents.