Police Patrol

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Recommended: Factors affecting police discretion

Police officers use discretion in a broad manner. Depending on a situation I can issue a verbal warning, a citation, or an arrest. However, when taking a course of action in a situation I want to make sure I have a reason as to why I gave them the punishment that I did. Discretion in the criminal justice system is based off of efficiency, safety, and justice.
The first incident I came across was the traffic stop. A man was pulled over for speeding 10 miles per hour above the posted speed limit in a residential area. I estimated he was going about 36 miles per hour when the posted speed limit was actually 25 miles per hour. After running his license plate, he had no previous violations, no records for a stolen car, and he had valid registration and emissions for the vehicle. The logo on his uniform states, “We’re always on time”, hinted to me as the reason for the driver to be speeding. After questioning him, the story checks out to be true and he stated that his supervisor had strict rules about being at work on time. If in fact he violates that rule he could lose his job. He sounded very sincere and apologetic for knowing he went over the speed limit. He has no prior violations on file. Given the circumstances, my gut reaction is to let him off with a warning. I believe it will be a wake-up call for the driver to use more caution in the future. The driver was not a dangerous threat nor was he driving recklessly on the roadway.
However, after observing his vehicle; I noticed he had drive-thru trash in the passenger seat. The fact that there is food in his car makes me assume he drove by somewhere to get something to eat and therefore made him late. Another reason he added for speeding was that his wife works night shifts and sh...

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...econd scenario of the driver speeding through a school zone area, I ticketed the driver for the full amount. A positive to the punishment is it will deter him from speeding and have a positive effect towards the community. A negative consequence from my decision will cause the driver to be late and possibly lose his job. Another negative is I do not know his financial situation so the fine of the ticket and possibly losing his job will cause him to have a big setback at home. Moreover, he will have yet another violation added on to his record, have to pay a higher insurance rate, and have 3 point deducted from his license. A short-term consequence to my decision will be that the driver will have to pay a fine for speeding. A long-term consequence will be that I set the driver as an example to the community that speeding in a school zone will not be tolerated.

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