What is expert power?

• A. Power based on knowledge, skills, or experience.
• B. Power based on respect, admiration, or personal connection.
• C. Gaining compliance by offering incentives or rewards.
• D. Power based on the belief that someone has the right to make demands.

Answer: (A)

Expert power comes from what you know and what you can do—your knowledge, skills, and experience. People defer to you because you’ve demonstrated competence and can be relied on for good judgment. In criminal justice practice, this shows up when a seasoned investigator or crime analyst is trusted to guide decisions or interpret evidence because of their proven expertise. This isn’t about position or charm; it’s about being the go-to person for accurate information and skilled problem-solving.

It differs from power based on admiration or personal likability (referent power), power tied to rewards or punishments (reward or coercive power), or authority granted by a formal role (legitimate power). The defining feature here is the trust placed in your technical competence rather than your relationship, incentives, or official status.