According to Police Chief Magazine, police officers, detectives, deputies, and prosecutors alike all are affected by their own worldviews in addition to their own implicit and explicit biases. Everyone makes snap judgments that are based on their upbringing, lived experiences, what they hear and see in the media, their professional training, and their beliefs about the world. As the gatekeepers into a system that controls the administration of justice, police officer or investigators’ errors in judgment have significant impacts on the individuals navigating the system. Lives are changed forever by decisions and actions of first responders in these cases.
It was concluded that encouraging criminal justice professionals to understand and perceive their own biases—and then working to remove obstacles in the path of victims and survivors of sexual violence—is not a departure from the objectivity or neutrality that due process demands. It makes it safer for survivors to step forward and tell their stories so more complete investigations that uncover all the facts and details can create better outcomes. Criminal justice decisions must be made from complete, thorough, and comprehensive investigations, not based on the implicit biases that all individuals have. Due process is afforded throughout and sexual predators can be held accountable through an evidence-based process while the system also assists victims with their recovery needs.
We are fortunate to have Amy Herman as our keynote speaker for CCAW 2020! She focuses on looking at the unseen, and is well known for her TedTalk on ‘A Lesson on Looking’. As a lawyer and art historian, Amy Herman uses works of art to sharpen observation, analysis, and communication skills. Through interactive analysis of paintings, sculptures, and photographs, Herman demonstrates how improving visual literacy can refresh participants’ sense of critical inquiry, hone the skills necessary for improved performance and effective leadership, and bring to light biases and blind spots that impede decision making. For the full article: CLICK HERE
