Discretion in Police Work

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses whether the myth of the ability for police officers to use discretion when applying laws, does in fact exist or not. The paper begins by defining discretion. It then goes on to discusses certain situations when discretion is most commonly used by the police, such as domestic disturbances and dealing with juveniles or the mentally ill.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
What is Discretion?
The Myths Regarding Enforcing the Laws
Examples of Officer's Discretion
Discretion with Juveniles
Discretion with the Mentally Ill
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"What is Discretion?
In order to understand how police officers use discretion, an individual first must know what it is. Discretion is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, "the ability to make responsible decisions, individual choice or judgment, power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain legal bounds." (Merriam-Webster Online, unknown). An officer's ability to use discretion and have the ability to make good judgment calls sometimes in a split second is crucial. Otherwise, an officer most likely will not have an extensive career in law enforcement."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lamb, R., Weinberger, L., & DeCuir, W. (2002, October). The Police and Mental Health. Retrieved from: http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/53/10/1266#SEC2 on March 24, 2007.
• Merriam-Webster Online. (unknown). Discretion. Retrieved from: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/discretion on March 22, 2007.
• Templin, Linda. (2000). Keeping the Peace: Police Discretion and Mentally Ill Persons. Retrieved from: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/jr000244c.pdf on March 23, 2007.

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