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Article
The Influence of "Working Rules" on Police Suspicion and Discretionary Decision Making
Police Quarterly
  • Meghan S. Stroshine, Marquette University
  • Geoffrey P. Alpert, University of South Carolina
  • Roger G. Dunham, University of Miami
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
23 p.
Publication Date
9-1-2008
Publisher
Sage Publications
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1177/1098611107313029
Abstract

This study examines the role of “working rules” that define what officers interpret as suspicious people, places, and situations. Data were drawn from observational studies of police decision making in Savannah, Georgia and Miami-Dade, Florida. Current theory and research on the use of police discretion and biased policing is focused on the decision to stop, search, or arrest a suspect. Only a few studies focus on processes through which police determine behaviors to be suspicious that influence them to initiate official police action. An analysis of the “working rules” used by officers uncovered 12 substantive categories. The article concludes with a discussion of how this information can be useful in formulating training for police departments.

Comments

Police Quarterly, Vol. 11, No. 3 (September 2008): 315-337. DOI.

Citation Information
Meghan S. Stroshine, Geoffrey P. Alpert and Roger G. Dunham. "The Influence of "Working Rules" on Police Suspicion and Discretionary Decision Making" Police Quarterly (2008) ISSN: 1552-745X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/meghan_stroshine/3/