Decisions, Discretion, and Accountability

A decision tree is a great way to determine a course of action and possible outcomes associated with an officer’s decision. Today everyone has a camera and decisions are reviewed, questioned, and judged by those who have no idea what happened. In Ch. 5 you learned about tactical decision-making and scenario-based training for new officers. Discretion is a major part of a police officer’s role and the decision he or she makes in a split second can create many different outcomes and consequences.

Watch the Decision Tree video located in the University Library.

Read the Sidebar 11-1, “Police Discretion in an Unfolding Disturbance Call” in the “New Perspectives on Police Discretion” section of Ch. 11, “Police Discretion,” of The Police in America.

Consider the different stages the officer is faced with in the scenario.

Select stage four, five, or six and review the officer response provided.

Create a 10- to 12-slide PowerPoint® presentation in which you:

• Describe possible decision points that the officer may have faced.
• Explain how one decision the officer could have made modeled abuse of discretion or modeled positive use of discretion.
• Describe factors that may limit the officer’s discretion.
• Explain at least three internal and external mechanisms police departments use for accountability.

Incorporate at least two academic references outside of your textbook in your presentation.

Include detailed speaker notes, the notes should be equivalent to you presenting to a group.