The Role of Discretionary Policing in Law Enforcement

What type of policing is the best example of?

Officer Cho's action of ignoring the group of smoking youths while out on patrol demonstrates a specific type of policing. How would you categorize this approach?

Answer:

Officer Cho is demonstrating Discretionary Policing.

Explanation:

The policing method Officer Cho is using in this scenario is a prime example of Discretionary Policing. Discretionary policing refers to scenarios where an officer has the leeway to decide whether to enforce or ignore a possible law violation. Should the officer deem there is no immediate threat to safety or property, they might choose not to take action and continue their patrol.

In this specific situation, although the youths might be engaging in illegal activity (smoking, possibly underage), Officer Cho assesses that they are not causing a disturbance or posing a danger. Therefore, she exercises her discretion and decides not to intervene, continuing on with her patrol duties.