these norms are violated, then an instance of police discretion can swiftly become an instance of abuse of authority and power. Jones (2000) has discussed police discretion as it relates to abuse of power, pointing out that abuse of power commonly occurs when officers, either through coercion, idiosyncratic perspectives and choice or merely ignorance due to lack of training, decide to engage in manipulative acts.
Cole (1999) has discussed ways in which police discretion can be successfully practiced yet controlled to minimize instances in which it becomes an abuse of power. The first is legislative and court control in which the parameters and limitations of discretion are both clearly demarcated and swiftly punished when violated. Second, discretion must be practiced by police officers who have a very real understanding of cultural and ethnic mores, sensibilities and perspectives. Third, police department policies on the use of discretion should be clearly stated and as comprehensive as possible. Fourth, police officers should receive ongoing training in the use of successful practices and strategies related to the use of police discretion. Clearly, these recommendations will not stop all instances of abuse of power but with them in place, the risk of abuse is minimized. Delattre (1996) believes that the development of a police ethics code would also be of assistance, especially if it emphasized the ethics involved in police discretion.
With the foregoing kept in mind, an examination of police discretion can be made for some specific situations in order to determine whether they constitute abuse of power or genuine uses of
...