What does the term “bias-based policing” mean?

The term “bias-based policing” refers specifically to law enforcement actions that are taken based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other specific traits rather than on observed behavior or suspicious activities. This practice is problematic because it can lead to discriminatory practices and undermine trust in law enforcement among communities. The focus is on the individual’s personal characteristics rather than any evidence of wrongdoing or suspicion of criminal activity, which violates principles of fairness and justice.

In the context of this definition, other options do not accurately capture the essence of bias-based policing. Law enforcement actions based solely on suspicious behavior do not constitute bias, as they are rooted in observable actions. A strategy aimed at ensuring equal treatment in law enforcement contradicts the notion of bias-based policing, which implies unequal treatment. Finally, policing that solely targets crime statistics may not necessarily involve personal biases, as it focuses on data rather than an individual’s characteristics.