Order instructions
Police discretion is the latitude an officer has in making the decision to act one way instead of another. Discretion is helpful because the police cannot be everywhere and arrest every offender. It is risky because it can lead to unequal treatment, favoritism, and even corruption.
What is police discretion? Is it beneficial or harmful? Explain your response.
What experiences in a police officer’s background are likely to influence his or her discretionary decisions?
Should police discretion be limited? If so, how?
