To whom does the police have discretion in charging decisions?

The police have discretion in charging decisions primarily within their own guidelines and protocols. This means that officers are able to assess the specific circumstances of each case and decide whether to pursue charges after considering various factors such as the evidence available, the severity of the offense, and the context of the incident. This discretion allows law enforcement to make informed decisions that can lead to either proceeding with formal charges or opting for alternatives such as warnings or referrals to community programs.

Such discretion is crucial in the justice system as it helps to manage resources effectively, prioritize cases, and apply the law fairly. By making choices based on established protocols, police can exercise their judgment in a way that aligns with legal standards and community expectations.

The other options would imply that discretion lies with entities or individuals outside of these guidelines, which is not how the system typically functions. For instance, the accused individual does not influence the police's authority to decide on charges directly, and while superiors may provide oversight, the agency’s specific guiding principles are what shape individual officers' decisions. Similarly, although courts may set standards, the initial discretion in charging does not rest with them but rather with the police as they operate within their defined scope.