Police Decision-Making on Diversions

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Marinos and Innocente's research?

The effectiveness of youth accountability measures

The impact of previous contact with the justice system

Police decision-making processes related to diversions for minor offences (correct)

The relationship between youth attitudes and crime

Which research method was primarily used to gather data in the study by Marinos and Innocente?

Focus groups and observational studies

Longitudinal studies on youth behaviour

Quantitative surveys and semi-structured interviews (correct)

Qualitative analysis of court cases

What aspect did police officers perceive positively regarding extrajudicial measures?

Their ability to provide long-term rehabilitation

Their ability to deter youth crime

Their procedural ease compared to previous measures (correct)

Their effectiveness in punishing minor offences

What methodological challenge did Marinos and Innocente encounter during their research?

Ensuring representativeness in the sample of police officers Signup and view all the answers

According to the findings, how did officers view the goals of the YCJA in relation to extrajudicial measures?

They considered them somewhat compatible with the goals of the YCJA Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of officers considered the seriousness of the offence as the primary factor influencing charging decisions?

73.7% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is least likely to be considered as a primary influence on charging decisions?

Youth's attitude Signup and view all the answers

In cases of repeated offences, what percentage of officers indicated willingness to charge a youth for shoplifting on the third offence?

94.4% Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of a previous record influence officers' decisions compared to the seriousness of the offence?

It leads to an increased likelihood of charging Signup and view all the answers

What did Marinos and Innocente (2008) conclude about previous histories of police contact?

They are important in the exercise of police discretion Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social identity is considered in the decision-making process for youth criminalization?

Intersectional identity Signup and view all the answers

Which finding contradicts the stated aims of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)?

Youth’s attitude should be a key deciding factor Signup and view all the answers

What is viewed as a protective factor in relation to extrajudicial measures?

Successful program completion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following influences does not affect the perception of police towards young people according to the study?

Personal relationships Signup and view all the answers

What was the secondary factor influencing officer decisions to divert or charge, according to the findings?

Previous record Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marinos and Innocente (2008) Study on Police Decision-Making and Diversions

Mixed-methods approach: Used a quantitative survey (70 Ontario police officers) and qualitative interviews (64 semi-structured interviews) to examine police decision-making on diversions for minor offences.
Focus on minor offences: Important as they are often diverted; Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) emphasizes proportionality and extrajudicial measures for these.
Positive officer perception: Majority of officers had a positive view of extrajudicial measures.
Effectiveness of extrajudicial measures: Officers viewed measures as somewhat effective or effective at meeting YCJA goals.
Officers' rationale: Saw extrajudicial measures as accountable and easier to manage than the Youth Offenders Act (YOA). Focused on progressive discipline (escalating penalties) and youth attitude (linked to accountability, remorse, and responsibility).
Factors influencing diversion/charges:
Seriousness of the offense (primary factor): 73.7% of officers cited this as their primary concern.
Previous contact/record (secondary factor): 42.3% of officers considered this, significantly influencing decisions more as previous contact increased.
Youth attitude (secondary factor): Only 3.5% considered this a primary factor, but it still played a part, especially in how accountability was judged.
Offence-specific findings:
Mischief: 88.9% of officers were inclined to charge in cases with repeat offending.
Shoplifting (theft under $5000): 57.7% supported charges for repeat offenders.
Consecutive offenses: Officers were more likely to charge youth who committed the same offense multiple times. Notably, in the hypothetical example of a female youth shoplifting for the third time, 94.4% favored charging.
Successful completion of diversion: Not viewed as a positive factor or protection.
YCJA implications: Discretion extended beyond offense severity, a finding that contradicts the YCJA's intent. Highlighting the gap between policy and practice.
Intersectional approach: The study emphasizes the importance of an intersectional approach given that factors of previous contact, youth attitude, race, gender and class affect police discretion and criminalization.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the study by Marinos and Innocente (2008) regarding police decision-making related to diversions for minor offences. It employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate police perceptions and the effectiveness of extrajudicial measures as guided by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Test your understanding of the findings and implications for youth accountability.

Police Decision-Making on Diversions - Marinos & Innocente

Choose a study mode