ADJUS-120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 28: Police Brutality
21 Oct 2020
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Document Summary
1/5 americans has face to face contact with police every year. 1/5- when police respond to calls for assistance/accidents. 1/5- police investigating crimes or providing service and assistance. 2/5- drivers being stopped by patrol officers. 90% of people with contact with police believe they acted properly. Citizens expect the police to act both effectively and fairly. Decisions of the courts guide officers actions. Make wise choices in often ambiguous situations as to how and when to apply the law. The factors of the crime determine how discretion is used. The less serious the crime is, the more likely it is to be ignored. The relationship between the alleged criminal and the victim. The closer the relationship, the more variable the use of discretion is. Spouses may not decide to press charges. The relationship between the police and the criminal or victim. A polite complainant will be taken more seriously than a hostile one.
