Which term describes policing practices based on stereotypes or assumptions rather than individual behavior?

• A. Quotas
• B. Brady Cops
• C. Discrimination
• D. Bias-Based Policing

Answer: (D)

Bias-based policing describes policing practices based on stereotypes or assumptions rather than individual behavior. It means officers make decisions—like where to patrol, whom to stop, and what actions to take—primarily because of biased views about groups or individuals, not because of the specific actions actually observed. This contrasts with doing things strictly based on a person’s demonstrated conduct.

Discrimination is the broader idea of treating people unfairly because of protected characteristics, but bias-based policing focuses on the policing decisions themselves and how they are influenced by bias. Quotas involve meeting numeric enforcement targets, which is about quantity rather than the reasoning behind each decision. Brady Cops refers to concerns about how evidence and credibility are handled in court, not to bias in enforcement.