IntroductionAgent's discretion is defined as "the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation" (dictionary). Therefore, within the police service, the term "discretionary power" is one that allows a police officer to make a judgment in several situations. This is an officer's exercise that is used much more than citizens realize. Agent discretion cannot be explained by a simple definition. Agent discretion varies depending on the agent and the situation. For example, a police officer who believes that spending eight days a month in a courtroom just for traffic tickets is ridiculous might simply let a speeding car pass if no harm is done. On the contrary, an officer who believes that the rules of the road are very important and must be strictly followed will most likely ticket someone who is only slightly speeding. The interpretation of agents' discretion is different among agents and varies depending on the situation. Officer discretion is a measure that has existed within police forces for many years. Although there are drawbacks to this exercise, there is ample evidence that officer discretion is necessary for police officers and women to do their jobs. History of Officer Discretion Officer discretion was discovered by the American Bar Foundation in 1956. The foundation conducted an investigation that found that discretion existed and did exist "at all levels of the justice system." » (Halliday). This was not a popular topic among most people when it was first brought up, as people did not understand how someone could be punished differently for committing the same crime as someone else. They called him corrupt, unjust and inequitable. However, when the survey was carried out by a low-...... middle of paper ...... a harmful limit or if you have serious difficulties in driving. His alternative is to throw them in a taxi and send them home. This explanation was a great example of an individual allowing their own personal experiences and past to influence their discretion in everyday work situations. Works Cited “Criminology”. Police discretion. NP, 2012. Web. April 6, 2014. “Discretion is the measure of a police officer. » AnnArbor.com. Np, and Web. April 6, 2014. “Do the police have too much or too little discretionary power? PoliceOne.com. Np, ndWeb. 7 April 2014. Halliday, Gemma L. Discussion Paper: Police Discretion. Np, nd Web. “Lower the bar.” : Police discretion. Np, and Web. April 7, 2014. "Police Chief Magazine - View article." Police Chief Magazine - View article. Np, ndWeb. April 7, 2014. “The Rynard Law Firm.” » Police discretion. Np, and Web. April 6. 2014.