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How can police discretion be used effectively?

How can police discretion be used effectively?

The use of discretion allows the police officer the flexibility necessary to perform his job. It also allows the police officer to quickly interpret the applicable statutory law and then act upon the determination.

Can you control police discretion?

Police are authorized only to enforce the law; their use of discretion in other areas is not authorized, but the elimination of discretion is neither possible nor desirable. Such authority, however, is possible only in a cooperative context where coercion cannot be used to enforce authority.

How can we improve police relations?

The most important thing law enforcement can do when building police-community relations is to co-create your mission with those you serve….Increasing Police Transparency

  1. Openly sharing your policies.
  2. Maintaining accurate records of police misconduct through internal affairs case management.

What is the main reason to control police discretion?

The idea behind police discretion is that the law should be flexible in some ways in order to ensure that the spirit of the law is satisfied. Whenever big bodies of law are passed, it is possible that just sticking to the letter of the law can lead to inequity.

What are examples of police discretion?

What are examples of police discretion?

  • whether to draw his weapon.
  • whether to make an arrest.
  • whether to issue a traffic ticket or other violation.
  • whether to shoot a gun.
  • whether to perform a search.
  • whether to stop and assist someone.

What are the factors that influence police discretion?

Terms in this set (6)

  • Five Factors of police discretion. nature of crime.
  • nature of crime. the less serious crime to public, more freedom officers have to ignore it.
  • relationship between criminal/victim.
  • relationship between police and criminal/victim.
  • race/ethnicity, age, gender, class.
  • departmental policy.

What are the 3 major functions of police?

Duties and responsibilities of Police

  • to uphold and enforce the law impartially, and to protect life, liberty, property, human rights, and dignity of the members of the public;
  • to promote and preserve public order;

Why do police touch your car?

“Touching the rear of the vehicle puts the officer’s fingerprints on that car, showing that he or she was there with it. “In case the driver decided to flee the scene, or if something happened to that officer, it ties both the vehicle and the officer together.”

What is an example of discretion?

Discretion is defined as the right of someone to make choices or the quality of someone who is careful about what they do or say. An example of discretion is the ability of a juror to determine a verdict. I leave that to your discretion.

What are the biggest factors that affect police discretion and how do they affect it?

Characteristics of the suspect — Demeanor, style of dress and grooming may influence police discretion. Poorly groomed suspects can expect less respectful treatment. Some officers treat men and woman differently. Very rarely will an officer arrest a woman.

Can police beat anyone?

No, it is not a police officer who beats you! Just so you know, no policeman is allowed to use force with anyone except if they are resisting arrest or trying to escape.

Do police salute judges?

All officers and constable will salute the court (Magistrate or Judge) on entering the Court room.

How does a police officer use their discretion?

Police Officers’ Decision Making and Discretion: Forming Suspicion and Making a Stop Abstract Most police activity occurs in private, away from the public=s view. This creates a situation that allows police officers discretion in the way they think about what they see and how they handle those with whom they come in contact.

Why is the use of discretion so important?

The suspect obeys, and Officer Bob makes an arrest. There are various reasons why the use of police discretion is a positive aspect of a police officer’s position. The use of discretion allows the police officer the flexibility necessary to perform his job.

How does police discretion lead to softer law enforcement mechanisms?

It can lead to soft law enforcement mechanisms. When police discretion gets abused at local precincts, it can result in softer law enforcement mechanisms. It may act as a motivation to the general public to be less respectful of the laws and regulations that govern their community.

How to improve motivation and productivity of police officers?

Generating increased productivity and stimulating individual motivation are constant processes that leaders in any career field always can improve.