Police have significant discretion in carrying out their duties. This discretion involves critical decisions such as making arrests, referring juveniles to court, and using deadly force. While discretion allows police to consider unique aspects of each situation, it can also lead to abuse and inconsistency if not properly controlled. Written policies and oversight seek to structure discretion to promote consistent and fair outcomes, improve public policy, and enhance professionalism in law enforcement. However, rules cannot cover all situations and may sometimes have unintended negative effects if not implemented carefully.