Universal Differences: Addressing Misconceptions of Bias
Description
This course focuses on Implicit Bias (bias that is not conscious) and Explicit Bias (bias that is conscious).
The ability to distinguish friend from foe helped early humans survive, and the ability to quickly and automatically categorize people is a fundamental quality of the human mind. Categories give order to life, and every day, we group other people into categories based on social and other characteristics. Scientific research has demonstrated that biases thought to be absent or extinguished remain as" mental residue" in most of us. Studies show people can be consciously committed to egalitarianism, and deliberately work to behave without prejudice, yet still possess hidden negative prejudices or stereotypes.
This course guides the officer towards a better understanding of both, Implicit and Explicit Biases. We can understand, not only biases within law enforcement, but also understand biases within the citizenry. This understanding helps the officer to mitigate problems and also prepare them for tensed interactions