Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
1.1 Law Enforcement Role and Authority: Law Enforcement Agency Role
1.1.5 Use of Discretion (Issued: 6/25/07)
A. Discretion is the power of decision, or latitude of choice within certain legal limits.
When this discretion is poorly exercised, discretionary power may be viewed by the
public as favoritism, bias or corruption.
B. It is imperative that officers consider the goals and objectives of the department, the best
interests of the public they serve, any mitigating circumstances, and the volatility of the
situation, when exercising discretionary power.
C. An officer’s discretion is based on training, education, experience, laws, ordinances,
department directives, and supervisor’s instructions.