Final answer:
It is true that police officers can use discretion in whether to arrest or not during a domestic violence call, even when probable cause exists due to varied factors that influence real-world decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of police officers using discretion in domestic violence calls is a complex one. While it's true that probable cause is required for arrests, the real-world application of this principle allows for some flexibility. In instances of domestic violence, police officers may arrive on the scene and find a situation where the victim is not confirming the abuse. A study found that even when confronted, 29 percent of victims denied that abuse occurred, while 19 percent of assailants admitted to it. This suggests that factors such as the victim's willingness to cooperate, the nature and severity of the incident, and departmental policies can influence an officer's decision to make an arrest, even when probable cause exists.
Responding to the statement: Police officers responding to a domestic violence call can use discretion in whether to arrest or not, even if probable cause exists. The answer is True. Various reasons contribute to a victim's reluctance to report abuse, and police officers are sometimes faced with making decisions based on partial or contradictory information. Hence, while probable cause is a legal standard that needs to be satisfied before an arrest, actual practice reflects that discretion is sometimes exercised based on the circumstances at hand.