Which of the following is not a source of law enforcement authority?

Public opinion is not a formal source of law enforcement authority because it does not create binding legal standards or regulations that law enforcement officials must follow. Instead, public opinion reflects the collective views and attitudes of the community regarding law enforcement practices, which may influence policies and actions but does not constitute a legal framework.

In contrast, statutory law comprises laws enacted by legislatures, establishing clear legal guidelines that law enforcement must adhere to. Case law is derived from judicial rulings and precedents set by courts, which similarly shape and define the authority of law enforcement based on legal interpretations. Agency policy refers to the rules and procedures established by specific law enforcement agencies that dictate how officers operate within the framework of established laws. These sources provide the legitimate foundation and structure that govern law enforcement authority, while public opinion, though influential, operates outside the realm of formal legal authority.