True or false: Community policing emphasizes wider use of officer discretion.

Community policing is a strategy that focuses on building strong relationships and partnerships between police agencies and the communities they serve. One of the key components of community policing is the increased emphasis on officer discretion. This approach allows officers to make decisions based on the specific circumstances and context of the incidents they encounter, rather than adhering strictly to rigid procedures or policies.

The rationale behind empowering officers with greater discretion is rooted in the belief that they are often in the best position to assess the needs of the community and respond accordingly. When officers have the ability to exercise discretion, they can tailor their responses to address not only the immediate situation but also the underlying issues that may contribute to crime or social disorder. This flexibility encourages officers to be problem solvers and fosters a more proactive approach to policing.

In community policing, the emphasis on discretion helps build trust within the community, as citizens see officers acting in a manner that is considerate of individual circumstances and community dynamics. This contrasts with traditional policing, which might rely more heavily on strict adherence to laws and regulations without engaging with the community proactively or contextually. Thus, the statement is true, as community policing indeed emphasizes a wider use of officer discretion as part of its foundational principles.