Chapter 10: Discretion in Police

Flashcards based on Chapter 10 discussing police discretion and its influencing factors.

Discretion

Available choice not mandatory; the freedom to act or not act.

Legalistic Department

A type of police department focused on strict enforcement of the law.

Community Department

A type of police department that prioritizes community engagement and relationships.

Watchman Department

A type of police department that emphasizes maintenance of order over strict law enforcement.

Officer's Belief System

Influences an officer's decisions based on their past experiences and perceptions.

Bias Prejudice

Personal biases that may influence an officer's discretion.

Neighborhood Variable

Factors related to the community that may affect police discretion, such as local norms.

Situational Variable

Contextual factors that may influence an officer's decision-making in specific situations.

Driving Loud Music

An example of a neighborhood variable influencing police discretion.

Drinking Around the Boardwalk

Another neighborhood variable that may affect police discretion.

Type of Crime

Refers to the nature of the offense that can influence police discretion.

Weather

Environmental conditions that may impact police decision-making during incidents.

Illegally Parked Car

An example of a situation where police discretion may be exercised.

Parked Car: Person in Car

A context that can influence an officer's discretionary decision on how to respond.

Parked Car: Baby Inside

A specific situational variable that would likely affect an officer's use of discretion.

FTO

Field Training Officer; responsible for teaching discretion to new officers.

Police Discretion

The ability of police officers to make choices in how to enforce the law.

Influences on Discretion

Factors that impact an officer's choice in enforcement, including department type and personal beliefs.

Community Engagement

A critical aspect of community policing that affects officer discretion.

Maintenance of Order

Focus of watchman departments that can shift police discretion.

Strict Enforcement

An approach by legalistic departments that may limit discretion.

Past Experiences

Individual histories that shape an officer's beliefs and decisions.

Types of Departments

Categories of police organization that define their discretion levels.

Decision-Making Process

The steps taken by officers to determine how to respond in a situation.

Ethical Considerations

Moral factors that can affect a police officer's use of discretion.

Community Trust

The level of confidence the public has in police, influencing discretionary decisions.