Police Bias Hinges on Shooting Data

A forthcoming book claims racial bias in police killings, but its database reportedly knows whether suspects were armed in only about 30% of cases. By contrast, the Washington Post’s Fatal Force reports 88% of those shot had real or replica weapons from 2018–2023, 4.9% were unarmed, and 6.9% unknown. Divergent data completeness and definitions can drive opposing conclusions about bias. — If policing claims rest on incomparable datasets, policymakers and media need standardized, transparent measures before asserting racial bias or crafting reforms.