CRJU 311 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Decision Points, Deadly Force, Organizational Culture
17 Nov 2016
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Based on that individual"s judgment about the best course of action: the criminal justice system is essentially a sum total of a series of interrelated discretionary choices. Aspects of police discretion: street-level bureaucrats. The lowest ranking employees- patrol officers: through their discretion to arrest or not arrest, police officers are the gatekeepers. Potential abuse of discretion: discrimination, denial of due process, systematic under-enforcement of the law. Tolerating certain activity in one neighborhood, but not in another: poor personnel management. Proper exercise of discretion: the use of good judgment, efficient use of scarce police resources. The common sense of the officers very often prevails over the legislative excesses in criminal legislation. Cannot enforce all the laws all the time. Can choose the best course of action for particular events: sound public policy. Arrest may not be the best solution to problems such as homelessness. Decision points and decision makers: decisions by patrol officers related to crime situations include.
