NCJ Number
150837
Date Published
1994
Length
256 pages
Annotation
This report presents the conclusions of the New York City Commission To Investigate Allegations of Police Corruption following a 22-month-long examination of the nature, extent, and causes of police corruption and the New York City Police Department's competence and commitment to prevent and detect it.
Abstract
The Commission found that police corruption is a serious problem in the city, although the majority of city police officers are honest and hard-working. The problem of police corruption extend beyond the individual officer; it is a multifaceted problem that has grown because of a police culture that rewards loyalty over integrity; the silence of honest officers who are afraid of informing on their colleagues; the reluctance of supervisors to confront corruption on their beat; the demise of the principle of accountability among police commanders; the hostility and alienation between the police and the community in some areas; and the lack of resolve on the part of the Department to prevent corruption. Nonetheless, the Commission is optimistic that independent oversight and a series of internal reforms can help the Department develop a new approach toward combatting corruption. Some of these reforms include improving recruiting and screening procedures, strengthening first-line supervision, challenging aspects of police culture that encourage corruption, and enhancing sanctions and disincentives. 1 appendix