The enforcers, police officers, are tasked with enforcing these regulations, but they often have the discretion of when to file charges and arrest. For example, a traffic violation, the police officer may simply issue a warning. In fact discretion can be found in all stages of the criminal justice system.

Is police discretion a good thing?

That means police discretion does an excellent job of streamlining our criminal justice system when it is correctly applied. It limits burnout in law enforcement because it gives officers an opportunity to issue warnings instead of either charging people or letting them off the hook.

How can police discretion be used effectively?

The use of discretion allows the police officer the flexibility necessary to perform his job. It also allows the police officer to quickly interpret the applicable statutory law and then act upon the determination.