What is bias-based policing?

• A. Policing based on the latest statistics
• B. Policing solely by computer algorithms
• C. Policing that relies on prejudgments about individuals or groups based on protected characteristics, which is unethical and unlawful
• D. Policing that ignores community feedback

Answer: (C)

Bias-based policing happens when officers make policing decisions based on prejudgments about people or groups who share protected traits—such as race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability—rather than on actual evidence or observed behavior. This means actions like stops, searches, or arrests are more about who someone is than what they did or what the situation shows. It’s unethical because it treats people differently on the basis of stereotypes, and it’s unlawful because it violates equal protection and civil rights laws, including protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. It also harms trust between the police and the community, which can undermine safety and effectiveness. For example, stopping drivers mainly because of their race, rather than objective indicators of wrongdoing, illustrates bias-based policing. When policing focuses on evidence, behavior, and legitimate concerns rather than stereotypes, it aligns with legal and ethical standards.