Which description best defines bias-free policing?

• A. Policing that relies on predictive policing
• B. Policing that avoids community engagement
• C. Policing without discrimination based on protected characteristics
• D. Policing that uses force only when necessary

Answer: (C)

Bias-free policing means policing without discrimination based on protected characteristics and treating everyone equally under the law. This means officers base decisions on objective criteria and evidence, not stereotypes or personal biases, and uphold civil rights while protecting the public. Protected characteristics include race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. In practice, this means people who commit similar offenses are subject to the same standards, investigations, stops, and charges, regardless of who they are. The other ideas describe important aspects of policing but do not define bias-free policing: using predictive policing can introduce biases if the data reflect past discrimination; avoiding community engagement undermines trust essential to fair enforcement; and using force only when necessary relates to use-of-force policy, not the nondiscrimination core.