Kay, Stephen2008-07-292022-10-242008-07-292022-10-2419961996https://ir.wgtn.ac.nz/handle/123456789/22585Police discretionary decision making is expanding in several areas, including in roles which are primarily judicial in nature. This development is documented and analysed within this thesis, with a particular focus upon discretionary deferred charging and prosecution. To undertake this research it was necessary to define its parameters, determine whether a 'problem' exists within this area and, if so, the magnitude of 'the problem', and consider factors which may contribute to its cause and effect. The conclusion reached is that there is a problem, and a model is proposed to bring about positive change. Within this thesis, the police as an organisation is conceptualised as an apparatus which is closely affiliated with mechanisms for societal control. A major theme which pervades this work is that external and internal factors have a strong influence on police discretionary decisions. Close attention is given to adverse affects which may be experienced by certain identified groups within society, such as Maori.en-NZNew Zealand policeDecision makingCase studiesText