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Keywords

implicit bias, policing, racial disparities, law enforcement reform, structural racism

Abstract

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of implicit bias on police-citizen interactions, contributing to racial disparities in stops, arrests, and the use of force. While explicit racism has declined since the Civil Rights Era, unconscious stereotypes continue to influence law enforcement decisions. Research highlights that Black individuals experience higher rates of police encounters and fatal force compared to White individuals, a pattern not fully explained by crime rates but rather by systemic and historical biases within policing institutions. Efforts to address implicit bias, such as diversity training, have shown limited long-term effectiveness. Instead, meaningful reform requires structural changes, including improved police training that prioritizes de-escalation, stricter oversight of officer discretion, and stronger community engagement. Eliminating connections to historical and modern white supremacist influences within law enforcement also remains a critical step toward ensuring fairer practices. Understanding the role of implicit bias in policing and implementing evidence-based solutions can help create a more equitable justice system. Ensuring these changes strengthens public trust and promotes more just outcomes in law enforcement practices.

Keywords: implicit bias, policing, racial disparities, law enforcement reform, structural racism.

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