Thinking fast, not slow: How cognitive biases may contribute to racial disparities in the use of force in police-citizen encounters. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mears, Daniel P.; Craig, Miltonette O.; Stewart, Eric A.; Warren, Patricia Y.
• Is Part Of: Journal of criminal justice. Number 53(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Policing -- Racial disparities -- Cognitive bias -- Use of force; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Justice pénale -- Administration -- Périodiques; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2017.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2352

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To illuminate how racial disparities in police use of force may arise and to guide research aimed at explaining such disparities. Methods: We draw on research on policing, racial disparities in criminal justice, and cognitive bias and decision making to argue that police-citizen encounters require rapid assessments that demand reliance on cognitive "shortcuts, " or heuristics, that may influence the use of force. Results: When cognitive shortcuts rely on biases about the dangerousness of racial minorities, they can contribute to disparities in the use of force. These biases may interact with those that citizens hold, which creates a greater potential for disparities. In addition, biases of officers and citizens may be influenced by such factors as officer training, social context, and reaction time. Conclusions: Research is needed that identifies cognitive shortcuts used during police-citizen encounters, conditions under which they are activated, and strategies for minimizing their role in contributing to racial disparities in the use of force. Highlights: Cognitive "shortcuts" may influence officer use of force during police-citizen encounters. These "shortcuts" may also influence how citizens act in encounters with police. Racial bias may be amplified through reliance on cognitive shortcuts. Cognitive shortcuts and racial bias together may contribute to use-of-force incidents. Police and citizen biases may interact to cause racial disparities in such incidents.