In law enforcement, what might be a result of too much discretionary power?

Discretionary power in law enforcement refers to the ability of officers to make decisions based on their judgment rather than following strict rules or guidelines. When police officers have too much discretionary power, it can lead to inconsistency in law enforcement practices. This inconsistency may occur because individual officers may interpret laws, policies, and situations differently, leading to varying outcomes in similar scenarios.

For instance, one officer may choose to issue a warning for a minor infraction, while another may decide to make an arrest for the same behavior. Such disparities can create confusion among the public and result in perceptions of unfairness or bias. Additionally, this inconsistency can undermine trust in the law enforcement system as citizens may feel that they are not being treated equally under the law.

The other options present outcomes that are less likely in scenarios of excessive discretionary power. For instance, greater fairness in the justice system is not typically a result of discretionary power, as inconsistency can often lead to perceptions of injustice. Similarly, increased accountability for officers might actually decrease as discretionary decisions can lead to more subjective interpretations of actions taken. A reduced workload could be an effect of discretionary power; however, it would not necessarily correlate directly to too much discretion, as the pressures and responsibilities of law