The Police And The Law

Question 1

Discretion

Answer 1

Police using their independent judgement when dealing with crime

Cannot be applied arbitrarily

Question 2

Three factors influential when an officer decides to intervene

Answer 2

1. The seriousness/type of crime
2. The attitude of the citizen
3. Departmental policies that specify how discretion is to be applied

Question 3

Variables considered for arrest

Answer 3

Situational
Community
Extra legal

Question 4

Situational variables

Answer 4

1. Seriousness
2. strength of evidence
3. preference of the victim
4. Relationship between the victim and suspect
5. demeanour of the suspect
6. characteristics of the neighbourhood

Question 5

Community variables

Answer 5

Minority and working class communities

Officers perception of danger

Citizens attitudes towards police

Community legal culture (desires of the community)

Different neighbourhoods will be treated differently

Question 6

Extra legal factors

Answer 6

Race class gender

Aboriginal’s more likely to be arrested for all offences except drug and traffic violations

Mandatory arrest and sexual assault