Peirspictiochtai Ar An Saol
Zero-Based Law Enforcement
Part Sixteen
Discretion is the lubricant that makes much of daily life manageable.
Think about the times you've been asked "How are you doing?" by a well-meaning friend or co-worker.
Do you actually tell them what's going on in your life?
Or, do you simply say "Fine. How are you doing?"
Chances are that you use discretion and give a non-answer answer like "Fine."
Chances are you do so because you really have no interest in discussing your private life with someone else – no matter how well-meaning.
And chances are that well-meaning individual really doesn't want to know all the details about your private life.
Imagine, though, if it's not a well-meaning friend or co-worker asking the question, other similar questions, or more-probing questions.
Imagine if it's a law enforcement officer. Someone who has the color of law. Someone who can take your freedom. Someone who carries deadly force.
How does discretion – discretion by law enforcement officers – work in those situations?
In many communities today, discretion by law enforcement officers is accorded to certain people.
People of wealth.
People who command power.
People of privilege.
Discretion is far more likely to be accorded by law enforcement officers to those individuals as compared to the "average" person who doesn't have wealth, doesn't command power, and does not come from a position of privilege.
Under Zero-Based Law Enforcement, all people would be treated the same.
That means the older lady using a SNAP card in the grocery store.
That means the person with a disability in their backyard.
That means a teenager meeting with friends at a ball field.
That means the prominent attorney in her office.
That means the celebrity enjoying themselves in an entertainment establishment.
Law enforcement officers would treat all with discretion.
That means that law enforcement officers would watch what was happening, offer help when appropriate, and only intervene when necessary.
Please note: Zero-Based Law Enforcement would still allow self-defense for law enforcement officers to use force – kind for kind – to protect themselves and would still allow law enforcement officers to use force – kind for kind – to protect third-parties in danger.
Detaining and arresting people – or worse – who don't have wealth, don't command power, and do not come from a position of privilege would not occur unless the same detainments and arrests would be made of people who have wealth, who command power, and who come from a position of privilege.
Detaining a person would not be the first choice for law enforcement officers.
Arresting a person would not be the first choice for law enforcement officers.
Using force – force of any kind – would not be the first choice for law enforcement officers.
Detainment, arrest, and force of any kind by law enforcement officers would only occur when necessary.
The standard operating procedure in place in many communities – where discretion is for a few, enforcement is for the rest – would no longer exist.
Zero-Based Law Enforcement would require all to be treated with equal discretion by law enforcement officers.
The next news column in this series on Zero-Based Law Enforcement will focus on how law enforcement officers would choose to tell the truth – to not lie by commission and to not lie by omission – when doing their work.
Peirspictiochtai Ar A Saol – Gaelic – Irish – for "Perspectives On Life" is a column focused on aspects of accountability and responsibility as well as ways people look at life.
Contact Richard McDonough at
© 2026 Richard McDonough
