There is no requirement in any law that it be applied with discretion. Therefore, except for the sociological and political aspects of their job, police officers are not required (i.e.: do not "need to") use discretion. The fact that they do apply it in some instances, and not in others, is why its called "discretion."
Very simply because supervisors can't dictate what should be done in every single situation an officer may encounter.
A very simple example would be that you get pulled over for speeding but you convince the officer that you are on the way to the hospital because you have been injured and are in need of emergency medical attention and couldn't wait for an ambulance. If the officer had no discretion, he would have to detain you while he writes the speeding ticket while you bleed to death.
How can police discretion be used inproperly
Some internal mechanisms that influence police discretion are the laws and rules made for police to follow. Some external mechanisms that influence police discretion are the type of people and situations that they encounter.
in which of the following situations would a police officer exercise the greatest amount of discretion?
Enumerate? Too many to list.An example of police discretion would be to give a notice of warning for a traffic violation vs. issue a citation.
Yes discretion is used in police, corrections, prosecutors, parole, probations, judges, what a silly quetion.
Erika Fairchild has written: 'Police discretion' 'German police' -- subject(s): History, Police
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Yes.
It means the police officer has a choice. example: a police officer pulls you over for a minor traffic violation (not stopping at a stop sign) he has a choice of whether to give you a ticket or a warning (written or verbal). This is called discretion. Another example would be urinating in public, the officer uses his/her discretion on whether or not to make an arrest or just issue a ticket violation. Police don't have discretion in all circumstances. Law and departmental policy can limit or eliminate discretion. For example, if an officer witnesses a felony, law requires the officer arrest the suspect. And, departmental policy might require an officer issue citations for all seat belt violations.
When they make a wrong decision like arresting sting someone for no reason
Police, or officer, discretion.