Discuss the role victim characteristics play in influencing the discretionary decisions of police officers.

What will be an ideal response?


Victim characteristics influence police decision-making in a number of ways. Victims can be uncooperative, which may make it difficult, or in some instances impossible to continue an investigation. Next, a victim may not wish to pursue charges against an offender. While this may influence officer decision-making, it should be noted that the more serious the offense, the less likely officers will defer to the victim’s wishes. In some instances, like domestic violence cases, the officer may be obligated to take action, regardless of the wishes of the victim. Finally, if a victim is not credible, or if there are concerns about the truthfulness of the victim’s account, police may be less likely to pursue an investigation.

Criminal Justice

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What fallacy occurs when an investigator assumes an association between two or more objects of evidence, which subsequently may start the investigation down the wrong path

a. Generalization b. False linkage c. Bifurcation d. Falsifiability

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Younger people have higher victimization rates than older people

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

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Evidence-based practices are those policies developed through guidance from research studies that demonstrate which approaches are most useful and cost effective

a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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The person known as the father of American policing is:

a. O. W. Wilson. b. Robert Peel. c. August Vollmer. d. John S. Dempsey.

Criminal Justice