Which of the following illustrates referent power?

• A. A veteran detective influences decisions due to years of experience.
• B. An employee follows a manager because they fear retaliation.
• C. Power based on knowledge, skills, or experience.
• D. Officers follow a leader because they respect and admire them.

Answer: (D)

Referent power is influence that comes from the respect and admiration others have for a person, prompting them to willingly follow or imitate that leader. When officers follow a leader because they respect and admire them, they are acting on referent power—the leader’s personal qualities and integrity inspire allegiance beyond formal authority. By contrast, influence based on years of experience or knowledge fits into expert power, where people look to the individual's expertise. Fear of retaliation is coercive power, relying on threats to compel compliance. Thus, the described scenario best demonstrates referent power, which supports trust and voluntary cooperation in criminal justice practice.