Background and Objective: Cognitive errors and biases in police operations refer to systematic deviations from rational judgment that affect law enforcement decision-making processes. These biases can potentially lead to unjust outcomes, including incorrect decisions and heightened societal tensions. The purpose of the present study is to examine the definitions, causes, and consequences of cognitive biases in policing.
Methods: This research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical approach. It is based on library and documentary studies to explore the definitions, influencing factors, and consequences of cognitive biases in police operations. The selected studies include 32 qualitative articles from reputable academic databases, chosen through purposive sampling and evaluated using the CASP framework.
Findings: overload, memory limitations, lack of environmental understanding, and the need to act quickly. The consequences of cognitive biases are incorrect decisions regarding offenders, excessive use of force, ignoring evidence, and a decline in public trust.
Conclusions: ognitive biases are a serious challenge for law enforcement and can affect the quality of decision-making and public trust. By increasing awareness of these biases and adopting appropriate strategies, their negative impact on decision-making can be prevented, thereby improving the performance of law enforcement agencies.