Fair & Impartial Policing

The “fair and impartial policing perspective” reflects a new way of thinking about the issue of biased policing–based on the science of bias. Social psychologists who study bias report that bias has changed in our society.   As one scientist proclaimed, “This is not your grandmother’s prejudice” (Fiske, 2008).   These scientists have determined—through voluminous research on this topic—that bias today is less likely to manifest as explicit bias (such as racism) and more likely to manifest as “implicit bias.”   Social psychologists have shown that “implicit” bias can impact what people perceive and do; it works below consciousness and manifests even in people who consciously hold non-prejudiced attitudes. Like explicit bias, implicit bias can produce discriminatory actions.

The 6 hour training covers the (1) science of bias and (2) implications of the science-based perspective for agency policy and practice.

Topics Covered:

• What community members and police think about biased policing
• The social science of human bias and its implications for policing
• The benefits and elements of a comprehensive program to facilitate fair and impartial policing
• Meaningful policy
• Leadership, supervision and accountability
• Recruitment/hiring
• Education/training
• Assessing institutional policies and practices
• Measurement
  • Responding to disparity charges
  • Data Collection: The issues, the facts
• Outreach to communities
• How to implement a comprehensive program.  

Facilitators: Sgt. Matt Elzinga and Detective Karen Rivard from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety have extensive law enforcement experience and are certified Fair and Impartial Policing Trainers.

Cost:
LEORTC Licensed Members – Prepaid
LEORTC Non-Licensed Personnel – $50 p/p
Non-Member Agencies – $95 p/p
Class Size: Limited to 25 (2 per agency for initial registrations)

REGISTRATION FORM