Research by a former police officer has given an insight into how those on the front lines make spur of the moment decisions when witnessing lower level crimes.
Dr Ross Hendy is now a criminologist at Monash University in Australia, and has released his research into police decision making.
It found personal experience plays a big part in how officers weigh up potential harm, the law, and whether something is socially acceptable, before deciding how to proceed.
Dr Hendy told RNZ's police reporter, Ben Strang, different officers have varying values, which can lead to different outcomes.
