When Officer Friel discovered Mark smoking marijuana outside the school, he took him home and turned him over to his parents for counseling and treatment as they felt appropriate. He also warned Mark the next time would result in a ride to juvenile hall. Which statement best describes Officer Friel's actions?

The best statement which can be used to describe Officer Friel's actions is: Officer Friel is using police discretion. Police discretion, which is somehow a vague term, gives police officers the ability to make conclusions and take actions without giving severe or strict punishment, or consulting the courts or senior officers: Officer Friel could have arrested Mark and taken him to the station, but he decided to give Mark another chance by taking him to his parents, and requesting that they counsel him.