Evidence of Caste-Class Discrimination from a Conjoint Analysis of Law Enforcement Officers

When choosing what cases to investigate, do the police discriminate on basis of caste and class? We employ a conjoint design evaluate biases in officers’ preferences for investigation based perpetrator attributes. Conducting survey law enforcement officers Nepal, we find evidence discriminatory practices. Absent constraining protocols that reduce officer discretion, are more likely target offenders who from caste-class subjugated communities. Additionally, assessments institutional investigatory reveal caste-based considerations: believe police, general, prefer investigate low-caste over high-caste offenders. They not, however, perceive their institution as having class-based biases. These findings add body whether discriminate, which has previously focused use lethal force stops, further demonstrate concerns systemic bias policing warranted.