In addition to offender and incident factors, a third area that affects law enforcement discretion is referred to as ___________ factors.

Law enforcement discretion is influenced not only by the characteristics of the offender and the details of the incident but also by a third category known as system factors. System factors encompass broader aspects of the criminal justice system that can impact decision-making by law enforcement officers. This may include existing policies, community standards, legal frameworks, and available resources that guide how officers respond to various situations.

For instance, if a community has a strong focus on public safety and crime prevention, officers may exercise their discretion differently than in a community with a more lenient approach. Understanding how these system factors play a role allows law enforcement personnel to make informed decisions in accordance with the values and norms of the community they serve. This distinction is crucial for comprehensively understanding the dynamics of law enforcement discretion and its application in real-world scenarios.