What can be a result of biases in police discretion?

In the context of police discretion, biases can significantly impact a law enforcement agency's relationship with the communities it serves. When bias influences decision-making, it often leads to actions that are perceived as unfair or unjust by the community. This can result in a lack of trust between community members and law enforcement.

When police officers exercise discretion, they are faced with the choice of how to handle a situation, such as whether to arrest a suspect or issue a warning. If these decisions are influenced by bias—whether based on race, socioeconomic status, or other factors—communities may feel targeted or discriminated against. As trust diminishes, community engagement and cooperation with law enforcement can decline, making it more difficult for officers to perform their duties effectively and potentially leading to greater crime as community members become less willing to report offenses or assist in investigations.

Ultimately, when biases pervade police discretion, they can undermine the foundational principle of justice that law enforcement is expected to uphold, leading to strained relationships and a breakdown of vital trust within the community.