NCJ Number
239556
Date Published
2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the nature of "implicit bias" and how it can lead to "minority over-representation" (MOR) and "disproportionate minority contact" (DMC) in criminal justice case processing and decisionmaking; and suggestions are offered for identifying and eliminating implicit bias.
Abstract
This paper defines "implicit bias" as a "preference (positive or negative) for a social category that operates outside of conscious thought." From the perspective of social psychology, implicit bias is a lens through which a person views the world. It automatically filters how a person takes in and acts on information or stimuli. It is always present and determines our behaviors and attitudes without conscious scrutiny, since they stem from a sense of self molded by parents, peers, cultures and subcultures, and familiar environments. Implicit bias in criminal justice decisionmakers can contribute to MOR and DMC by criminal justice decisionmakers unconsciously acting under an implicit bias. This article suggests ways in which a person can become aware of and reduce implicit bias in decisionmaking, particularly when it is automatic and pervasive. The strategies for reducing implicit bias are discussed under the following topics: education (being aware of implicit bias); cognitive load (thoughtless high-volume processing); high-effort processing (motivated and concerted effort to base decisionmaking on fair and objective criteria); mindfulness (developing awareness of one's thought processes); exposure (interacting with people different from oneself); environment (environmental cues that may stimulate implicit bias); organizational review (review of roles and power structures); checklist (guidelines for objective and fair decisionmaking); "debiasing" (creation of safeguards against implicit bias); and look to other fields that focus on the nature and transformation of implicit bias. 3 suggested readings