Testing whether implicit bias training changes police behavior

What is it about?

This study tested whether teaching New York City police officers to recognize and manage unconscious bias would change their behavior. In a one‑day implicit‑bias training session, officers learned strategies like self‑checks and slowing down to avoid profiling. Outcomes were measured across nearly 14,500 officers using actual policing data from stops, arrests, searches, and use of force between April 2018 and May 2019. The goal was to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in how police treat people. However, the results showed no statistically significant change in disparities as a result of training. Black and Hispanic individuals continued to be stopped at roughly the same rates after police were trained on implicit bias, and no change was found in arrests, searches, or use of force either. This study raises questions about how much implicit bias training alone can improve policing outcomes. It highlights the need for different strategies to address racial disparities in law enforcement outcomes.

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Photo by Bernie Almanzar on Unsplash

Photo by Bernie Almanzar on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The research suggests that awareness‑raising implicit bias training may not change actual policing behavior or reduce racial disparities in law enforcement. These findings encourage policymakers and law enforcement leaders to consider more effective approaches rather than relying solely on short training sessions. This can help guide future efforts to design interventions that truly influence decision‑making and improve racial equity in policing.