Gov Business Review: Specials Magazine

Bias influences decisions in ways that often go unnoticed—in split-second judgments, hiring practices, customer service, or the policies that shape communities. Addressing this requires more than awareness; it demands strategies that transform insight into action. This is precisely what Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) delivers. As indicated by the company name, FIP began as a law enforcement initiative but has evolved into the gold standard for implicit bias training for broader audiences, led by a diverse, women-owned team that exemplifies the equity they help organizations cultivate. Municipal and county bodies, correctional institutions, fire departments, and other government agencies now rely on FIP to help them incorporate fairness and impartiality into their daily work. Instead of treating bias training as just another compliance requirement, FIP makes it effective and usable. Its bias awareness curricula focus on real-world applications and provide practical tools for professionals to use when it matters most. FIP’s success is based in how it frames the issue. The goal is not to assign blame but to educate participants on how the brain processes information. While explicit bias has long been recognized, research into implicit bias has transformed the conversation. Even well-intentioned individuals are susceptible to unconscious mental shortcuts. Education and ongoing awareness are essential for preventing unintended harm and promoting impartial behavior. FIP builds its training around this idea, helping professionals see bias not as a personal flaw but as a human tendency rooted in cognitive science. Whether someone is a police officer responding to a call, a county worker serving a constituent, or a city council person shaping legislation, the pressures and responsibilities of the role can activate biases in different ways and different forms. FIP’s customized programs are designed to reflect those differences. Every training program is designed with industry-specific scenarios and actionable tools, equipping professionals to mitigate bias where it occurs and apply their learning in the critical moments that shape communities and institutions. Responsibilities—and how bias manifests—vary by role. FIP structures its programs into distinct training tiers, with curricula tailored to front-line service providers, first-line supervisors, and mid-level managers and leaders. An audience-specific approach ensures that every participant receives guidance that speaks directly to their day-to-day discretionary decisions.