How can an officer determine if a discount is legitimate?

A discount can be considered legitimate if it stems from a broader association with a larger group. Many organizations, businesses, or professional groups have agreements with vendors or service providers that allow their members to receive special pricing or discounts as a benefit of their affiliation. This group-based association often ensures that the discount is standardized and recognized, making it part of a formalized process.

While other options might describe scenarios that could be interpreted in various ways, they lack the grounded basis that an association with a larger group provides. Individual achievements or personal relationships without any group backing may not meet the criteria for legitimacy in the same way a recognized affiliation does. Discounts that are randomly offered or purely based on personal circumstances do not ensure fairness or consistency, which are important components of a legitimate discount system. Therefore, option A accurately reflects a framework that supports legitimacy in discount practices.