Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence decisions and behavior are called what?

• A. Gratuities
• B. Implicit bias
• C. Grass-eaters
• D. Ethics

Answer: (B)

Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence decisions and behavior are called implicit bias. These are automatic judgments we make about people or situations, often without realizing it, shaped by our experiences and societal messages. In policing, implicit bias can affect whom you see as credible, how you interpret behavior, and how quickly you perceive threats, even when you intend to be fair. Recognizing that these biases exist is the first step to counteracting them, with strategies like awareness training, decision-making checklists, structured protocols, and ongoing reflection after encounters. The other terms don’t fit this idea: gratuities are tips, ethics relates to moral principles, and grass-eaters is not the standard term for unconscious biases.