The influence of gratuities and personal relationships on police use of discretion

This paper reports on a survey of police officers in Queensland, Australia, regarding their responses to a scenario in which an officer is confronted with a traffic violation by a cafe proprietor who has given the officer free food and drinks. The majority of respondents supported the option of not giving the driver a traffic offence notice and related their choice to the influence of the personal relationship with the offender. This preference is contrary to official policy and public opinion. The survey was conducted following a period of ethical reform of the agency and demonstrates the need for intensified ethics training, closer supervision of operational police and clearer guidelines for the exercise of discretion.