Police Role Discretion J
Police Role & Discretion
By Dr Jacqueline Azzopardi PhD
What is a “role”?
Role = RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES linked with a particular position in society
Role expectation = the BEHAVIOUR & ACTIONS that people expect from a person in a particular role
Role conflict = Trying to perform 2 or more INCOMPATIBLE responsibilities (STRESS!) Eg: Police Service Vs P Force
What is the Role of the Police?
“Anyone attempting to construct a workable definition of the police role will typically come away with old images shattered and a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of police work.”
(Herman Goldstein, 1975)
People’s expectations
How we view their role determines what we expect from the police (P)
Eg: P in Dallas, Miami and NY, should know Spanish and Latino-culture
Eg: P in Alaska should be self-reliant, enjoy the outdoors and solitude
Eg: In Africa, Jamaica, Hawaii, Malta ….
The Problem with Expectations
The public’s expectations DIFFER from the official role
So, the public = DISENCHANTED, HOSTILE & DETACHED from the P
The Public’s negative feelings = P FRUSTRATION & ROLE CONFLICT
There are 3 views of Police Role
1. Crime Fighting (Law Enforcement)
2. Order Maintenance (Keeping the Peace)
3. Service-Oriented (Taking seriously all requests for service/ Discretion at best)
Crime Fighting Role
Media emphasizes this role even NEWS
The Ps themselves do this!
However statistics show otherwise …peace keepers and service-oriented
A 2005 US report ONLY 1.5% of contacts = use/threat of force!
Order Maintenance Role
The P are not primarily crime fighters …they maintain the peace/order
Backed by RESEARCH: 1965 Elaine Cummins found that ORDINARY work routine included LITTLE law enforcement and comprised a LARGE VARIETY of other activities PEACE-KEEPING & ORDER MAINTENANCE
Order Maintenance Role: Research
John Webster
55% of P time = administration
17% of time = crime fighting
Robert Lilly
60% of P calls = for information; 13% of calls = traffic problems; 3% of
By Dr Jacqueline Azzopardi PhD
What is a “role”?
Role = RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES linked with a particular position in society
Role expectation = the BEHAVIOUR & ACTIONS that people expect from a person in a particular role
Role conflict = Trying to perform 2 or more INCOMPATIBLE responsibilities (STRESS!) Eg: Police Service Vs P Force
What is the Role of the Police?
“Anyone attempting to construct a workable definition of the police role will typically come away with old images shattered and a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of police work.”
(Herman Goldstein, 1975)
People’s expectations
How we view their role determines what we expect from the police (P)
Eg: P in Dallas, Miami and NY, should know Spanish and Latino-culture
Eg: P in Alaska should be self-reliant, enjoy the outdoors and solitude
Eg: In Africa, Jamaica, Hawaii, Malta ….
The Problem with Expectations
The public’s expectations DIFFER from the official role
So, the public = DISENCHANTED, HOSTILE & DETACHED from the P
The Public’s negative feelings = P FRUSTRATION & ROLE CONFLICT
There are 3 views of Police Role
1. Crime Fighting (Law Enforcement)
2. Order Maintenance (Keeping the Peace)
3. Service-Oriented (Taking seriously all requests for service/ Discretion at best)
Crime Fighting Role
Media emphasizes this role even NEWS
The Ps themselves do this!
However statistics show otherwise …peace keepers and service-oriented
A 2005 US report ONLY 1.5% of contacts = use/threat of force!
Order Maintenance Role
The P are not primarily crime fighters …they maintain the peace/order
Backed by RESEARCH: 1965 Elaine Cummins found that ORDINARY work routine included LITTLE law enforcement and comprised a LARGE VARIETY of other activities PEACE-KEEPING & ORDER MAINTENANCE
Order Maintenance Role: Research
John Webster
55% of P time = administration
17% of time = crime fighting
Robert Lilly
60% of P calls = for information; 13% of calls = traffic problems; 3% of