Using a juvenile assault as an example, compare and contrast the four major styles of police work. Explain how these styles influence police discretion

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

To the crime fighter the most important aspects of police work are to investigate and apprehend criminals, therefore he or she would focus on ensuring that the perpetrator of the juvenile assault is found and arrested. The social agent views his style within the police department as a community problem solver and may encourage the perpetrator and the victim of the juvenile assault to come to an understanding of why the crime occurred and work to ensure that the actions aren't repeated in the future. The law enforcer attempts to "play it by the book" where they practice generalized law enforcement. In regard to a juvenile assault, the law enforcer would prefer not to deal with a small scale altercation between two youths as they seek prestige and status in enforcing all statutes, laws, and ordinances. The watchman is characterized by an emphasis on maintaining public order and may ignore an infraction by a juvenile, provided it is not serious, and refer the matter to the juvenile's parents to handle.