use of discretion by the police
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What are your thoughts on the use of discretion by the police? Is this a necessary element of the job or do you think it should be limited? Be specific and explain your answer.
2. Traffic stops are usually considered a “routine” activity of the police. Did the videos change the way you think about traffic stops? or about the job of law enforcement in general? Explain your answer.
The traffic stop in video 1 seems pretty non-threatening to the officers. During the video, did you see anything that made you think there was a possibility that something dangerous could happen? What did you think of the officer’s demeanor and general handling of the stop? Be specific.
Police discretion causes much confusion. It allows police officers to interpret the law and enforce the law according to their will. This allows people to be treated unfairly versus everyone who breaks the law being punished the same way. The police having the right amount of discretion is based upon the officer. This is because an officer’s judgment is essentially what could cause a person to be charged with a crime or not. Sometimes officers take advantage of police discretion and in turn causes more issues such as racial profiling.
I have friends that are in law enforcement. I have been told by them several times that domestic disputes and traffic stops are the most dangerous situations. Myself personally, I think I would have been more cautious with Batman than the officer in the video, but he might have had a feeling for the situation and alarm wasn’t necessary. My life experiences have taught me to be more respectful of law enforcement and no one wants to be shot by just doing their job.
The one point in the video that gave me caution is when Batman got out of the car. I did not see the necessity for him to get out. That alerted me to think he might have had something to hide within the car. As I stated earlier in a response, obviously the officer had a good grasp of the situation. Also back up arrived early enough for him to gain control of the situation.