Which practice is most directly associated with reducing bias in policing?

• A. Recognize and mitigate implicit bias
• B. Ignore bias
• C. Use stereotypes
• D. Only train once

Answer: (A)

Recognizing and mitigating implicit bias is the practice most directly linked to reducing bias in policing. Implicit bias means attitudes or stereotypes that subconsciously influence how we perceive people and situations, often without us realizing it. In policing, those hidden biases can affect who is stopped, how many resources are allocated, how force is used, or how individuals are treated during encounters. By actively recognizing when bias may be shaping judgment and applying mitigation strategies—such as ongoing bias-aware training, structured decision-making processes, accountability measures, de-escalation techniques, and regular review of outcomes data—officers can counter automatic prejudgments and promote fairer, more objective actions.

This approach is far more effective than ignoring bias, which leaves harmful prejudices unexamined, or relying on stereotypes, which reinforces harmful generalizations. It also requires more than a one-time training session; bias reduction benefits from continual practice, reinforcement, and evaluation to adapt to new situations and maintain progress.