Competency
In this project, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following competency:
Explain how discretion is utilized in decision making within criminal justice professions
Scenario
You are a patrol officer on duty with your partner. At approximately 1:45 a.m., you observe a fast-moving vehicle run through a red stoplight. You attempt to stop the vehicle, which refuses to pull over but does turn on its hazard signal. Using light detection and ranging (lidar) technology, you determine the vehicle to be traveling in excess of the posted speed limit. After a brief two-mile traffic pursuit, the vehicle pulls into a hospital emergency room ambulance bay. The male driver exits the vehicle with his arms raised in the air and begins shouting at you and your partner. A female passenger then exits the vehicle, also with her arms raised. She yells that her water broke and that she is in active labor and needs to get into the hospital. What step do you take next? How do you address the situation?
Possible next steps:
Arrest the male driver for reckless driving, fleeing, and eluding, which means he will miss the birth of his child.
Issue a warning to the male driver and get medical personnel to address the female passenger.
Issue traffic citations to the male driver and get medical personnel to address the female passenger.
Escort the couple into the hospital and do nothing regarding traffic violations/pursuit.
Directions
Internal Justification Statement
You will be creating a written internal justification statement to submit to the chief of your department. You are a new patrol officer and are asked to provide information on how discretion could be used for this situation and other situations. Using the scenario, create a written statement (with all sections identified) that addresses all of the required elements:
Explain what it means to exercise discretion and the role it plays in the criminal justice field.
Describe the roles integrity, authority, discretionary power, and morality play in discretionary decision making. Answer the following questions in your description:
What is the relationship between integrity, authority, and discretionary power?
What is the difference between ethics and morals, and how does each affect discretionary decision making?
Summarize the actions taken in response to the provided discretionary dilemma. Answer the following questions in your summary:
What discretionary decision did you make for the provided scenario?
Why did you make the decision?
Explain how integrity, authority, discretionary power, and morality affected the decision you made. Answer the following questions in your explanation:
What role did integrity, authority, and discretionary power play in the decision you made?
How did ethics and morals influence your decision in this scenario?
Explain how decisions in law enforcement affect discretionary decisions made in courts and corrections. Answer the following questions in your explanation:
If you choose to summons or arrest the male driver, how might the court react once the circumstances are known?
What discretionary decisions may be made in court?
How could the decisions made in court potentially affect corrections?
Full Answer Section
The Roles of Integrity, Authority, Discretionary Power, and Morality in Discretionary Decision Making
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Discretionary power is the ability to make decisions without being bound by strict rules. Morality is the distinction between right and wrong behavior.
All of these factors play a role in discretionary decision making. Law enforcement officers must use their integrity to make decisions that are consistent with their moral principles. They must also use their authority in a responsible and ethical manner. Finally, they must be aware of their discretionary power and use it wisely.
Relationship Between Integrity, Authority, and Discretionary Power
Integrity is essential for the exercise of authority and discretionary power. Officers who lack integrity are more likely to abuse their authority and make decisions that are not in the best interests of the public.
Difference Between Ethics and Morals and How Each Affects Discretionary Decision Making
Ethics are the rules of conduct that govern a particular profession or group. Morals are the personal beliefs about right and wrong behavior.
Ethics and morals both affect discretionary decision making. Officers must follow the ethical guidelines of their profession, but they must also use their own moral judgment to make decisions in specific situations.
Summary of Actions Taken in Response to the Provided Discretionary Dilemma
In the provided scenario, I would exercise my discretion and issue a warning to the male driver for reckless driving and fleeing and eluding. I would also get medical personnel to address the female passenger.
Why I Made This Decision
I made this decision because I believe that the safety of the female passenger is more important than the traffic violations committed by the male driver. I also believe that issuing a warning is the most appropriate response in this situation, as the male driver was likely motivated by his wife's medical emergency.
How Integrity, Authority, Discretionary Power, and Morality Affected My Decision
Integrity played a role in my decision because I wanted to make a decision that was consistent with my moral principles. I believe that it is important to be compassionate and understanding when dealing with people who are in distress.
Authority played a role in my decision because I had the authority to issue a warning or make an arrest. I also had the authority to get medical personnel to address the female passenger.
Discretionary power played a role in my decision because I had the discretion to decide whether or not to enforce the law in this particular situation. I chose to exercise my discretion and issue a warning.
Morality played a role in my decision because I wanted to make a decision that was consistent with my own moral beliefs. I believe that it is important to help people in need and to be understanding when people make mistakes.
How Decisions in Law Enforcement Affect Discretionary Decisions Made in Courts and Corrections
Decisions made by law enforcement officers can have a significant impact on discretionary decisions made in courts and corrections. For example, if an officer chooses to arrest a suspect, the court will have to decide whether or not to prosecute the case. If the suspect is convicted, the court will have to decide what sentence to impose.
Corrections officials also make discretionary decisions, such as whether or not to grant parole to an inmate. These decisions can be influenced by the information that is provided by law enforcement officers.
Conclusion
Discretion is a powerful tool that can be used to promote justice and fairness. However, it is important for law enforcement officers to use their discretion responsibly and ethically. By considering the factors of integrity, authority, discretionary power, and morality, officers can make decisions that are in the best interests of the public.