14d • Decision Making
THE 3 PILLARS OF DISCRETION
1. LEGALITY (The Framework)
The Question: Do I have the legal authority to act?
• Key Factors:
Probable Cause: Is there enough evidence that a crime was committed?
Statutory Mandate: Does the law require an arrest (e.g., some domestic violence laws) or is it optional?
Department Policy: What does the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) say about this specific situation?
2. PUBLIC INTEREST (The Impact)
The Question: Does my action serve the community or just satisfy a technicality?
• Key Factors:
Harm vs. Benefit: Will an arrest cause more long-term harm to the community than the original offense?
Resource Allocation: Is this a priority call, or is my time better spent on more serious "Part 1" crimes?
Public Trust: Will my decision build or destroy the relationship between the police and the citizens?
3. MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES (The Context)
The Question: What unique factors about this individual or situation should change the outcome?
Key Factors:
Intent: Was the act malicious or born out of desperation/emergency?
Prior History: Is this a first-time mistake or a pattern of behavior?
Victim’s Wishes: Does the victim want a full prosecution, or are they satisfied with a warning and restitution?
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THE 3 PILLARS OF DISCRETION
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