Which statement best describes bias-based policing and its prohibition?

• A. Policing decisions based on personal opinions about a suspect.
• B. Policing decisions based on time of day.
• C. Policing decisions based on protected characteristics; it undermines legitimacy and legality; agencies must train to prevent, monitor, and correct.
• D. Policing decisions are never influenced by bias.

Answer: (C)

Bias-based policing means making enforcement decisions based on protected characteristics—such as race, ethnicity, religion, or gender—rather than on objective factors like behavior or evidence. This is prohibited because it undermines legitimacy and violates legal and civil rights standards; agencies must train personnel to prevent bias, monitor for biased patterns, and take corrective actions when bias is found. The other options don’t fit as well: basing decisions on personal opinions about a suspect can reflect bias but isn’t anchored to protected characteristics; basing decisions on time of day isn’t about bias; and saying policing decisions are never influenced by bias is not accurate.