What does "discretion" refer to in policing?

Discretion in policing refers to the authority that law enforcement officers have to make decisions based on their judgment and the circumstances of a situation. When officers exercise discretion, they may choose how to respond to a specific incident, such as deciding whether to arrest a person, issue a warning, or take no action at all. This ability to use personal judgment allows officers to adapt their responses to the unique circumstances they encounter while on duty.

By understanding the concept of discretion, it's clear that options like requiring specific punishments for suspects, needing a warrant for arrests, or just filing reports do not encapsulate the essence of discretion in policing. Instead, these options relate more to procedural elements and policies rather than the individual judgment call allowed to officers in dynamic situations.