Discuss justifications for selective enforcement

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Generally, police administrators justify selective enforcement by arguing that they do not have the personnel, support, community agreement, money, or the system itself to enforce all the laws strictly. Selective enforcement in itself may be justified, and indeed be desirable, so long as reasonable boundaries of discretion are established that help to prevent abuse. However, the text notes that justification for keeping selective enforcement policies secret may serve to increase abuse and community distrust, and lower the morale of police. Interestingly, selective enforcement decisions are sometimes justified by the police on the basis that that "strict enforcement of the law could result in injustice." Other justifications cited by the police are that the legislature did not intend for some laws to be applied literally and that the statute is out of date, or the official system will not handle the matter justly. Hence, it is obvious that the practice of selective enforcement is necessary, but that its use must be carefully thought out considering the possibility of negative results coming about because of its use.