Discretionary Laws and Agency’s Culture

Overview
In this assignment, you will explore how laws can limit or rely on discretion, and how aspects of an agency’s culture can influence discretion.

Prompt
In Module Four, you learned about aspects of discretionary laws. In this module, you learned how discretion is influenced by an agency’s culture. You will now apply this knowledge to the topic of domestic violence. This information will help you prepare for submission of Project Three, due in Module Eight.

First, review the Project Three Instructions and Rubric document and familiarize yourself with the elements of the project. Next, review the Project Three Scenario document that ties directly to the project. Then, research the Rhode Island statutes regarding domestic violence. The following resources will assist you as you begin your research:

Reading: Title 12: Criminal Procedure, Chapter 12-29: Domestic Violence Protection Act (http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE12/12-29/12-29-3.HTM)
Reading: Rhode Island Judiciary: Domestic Violence Training and Monitoring Unit (https://www.courts.ri.gov/PublicResources/domesticviolenceunit/Pages/default.aspx)
Consider how domestic violence laws affect discretionary decision making in domestic violence situations. Also, consider how, as a law enforcement officer, your agency’s culture may affect the discretionary decision-making process in response to domestic violence situations. Use these rubric criteria as headings to format your writing:

Summary of Statute

In your own words, summarize the Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act. Be sure to properly cite the source in APA style.
Statute and Discretion

How may the Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act affect discretionary decision making in domestic violence situations?
Does it limit discretion, or rely on it?
Agency’s Culture

Describe aspects of a law enforcement agency’s culture that may influence the discretionary decision-making process in domestic violence situations.
Specifically, the following rubric criteria must be addressed:

Summarize the Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act.
Explain how the Rhode Island Domestic Violence Protection Act may affect discretionary decision making in domestic violence situations.
Describe aspects of a law enforcement agency’s culture that may influence the discretionary decision-making process in domestic violence situations.
Guidelines for Submission
This assignment must be submitted as a 1- to 2-page Microsoft Word document. Any references should be cited in APA style. For more information on APA style, review the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide.