Review the scenario. Consider different ways the responding officer(s) might respond to each situation, and consider the discretionary factors that might apply.
• The Law
• Seriousness of the Offense
• Officer & Citizen’s attitudes
• Victim/Offender Relationship
• Evidence of a Crime
• Complainant Opinion
Note: You may make any and all assumptions necessary to answer these scenarios as long as they do not conflict with the details provided.
Examine two actions the officer could take in this scenario including at least two discretionary factors used in selecting those actions. Select one action and justify which of the two actions you would have selected if you were the responding officer, using at least two discretionary factors in your response.
Scenario 3
Officer Wilson arrives on scene at a local pharmacy where a young woman, Brooke, was caught attempting to steal a plastic bag full of medication. When questioned, Brooke explains that she was trying to steal some medication so that she could sell it and make some money to help her mom pay their rent. Brooke tells Officer Wilson that if her mom cannot make the next rent payment, they will be evicted from their apartment. Brooke has never had any encounters with the police and starts sobbing out of remorse for what she has done. Officer Wilson feels sympathetic towards Brooke.