Police Selection and Discretion

Flashcards reviewing concepts related to police selection processes, desirable and undesirable qualities in police officers, and the issues related to police discretion.

What key qualities are desirable for police officers according to the lecture notes?

Patient, unbiased, and level-headed.

What was the historical tool used to assess potential police candidates based on intelligence?

The Simon Binet intelligence test.

What is the significance of KSAs in police selection?

KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) can change over time based on societal values and power dynamics.

What is one potential downside of semi-structured interviews in police selection?

They can introduce more bias due to the flexibility of probing questions.

Why is personality testing important alongside cognitive tests in police selection?

Cognitive tests predict training well but cannot account for personality-related behaviors in the field.

What is a common issue with police discretion discussed in the notes?

Police discretion can be abused, and body cameras are often sought by the public to monitor its use.

What has happened historically to youth crime in the context of police discretion?

Youth are often diverted into programs rather than being jailed.

What can lead to problems when police are tasked with handling domestic violence situations?

Police discretion can be detrimental if false claims are made by individuals experiencing domestic violence.

What does the police selection process historically rely on for candidate assessment?

Various tests, including cognitive ability and personality assessments.

Why might public perceptions of police enforcement vary regarding minor infractions?

Public may feel that enforcement of minor infractions undermines police focus on serious crimes.