NCJ Number
201050
Journal
Forum on Crime and Society Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 85-99
Date Published
December 2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article explores the cultural and institutional factors that lead to police corruption in different countries.
Abstract
While all governmental corruption is detrimental to the sanctity of the State, police corruption is particularly deleterious to the faith of the people in their governmental institutions. The author explores the core elements of the culture of corruption as he explains why the organizational structure of the police encourages some officers to commit acts of corruption. Deficiencies in four major areas are noted as integral to the police corruption problem. First, practices in recruitment, training, and promotion are discussed as problematic when unfit individuals are allowed to enter the profession. This is further exacerbated when faulty training methods are employed and inappropriate promotions are made. Second, police corruption springs out of a lack of resources to cover payroll and equipment, and that this problem is largely due to cultural and educational deficiencies. Third, corrupt practices abound because of a lack of accountability within police departments, courts, and the law. Without adequate checks and balances, police corruption is allowed to proliferate. Finally, cultural traditions may work to inhibit the establishment of professional police standards. Low professional standards in Mexico and Russia are sited as examples. The article explores recent initiatives designed to combat police corruption and contends that a zero tolerance policy must be developed in all countries to effectively combat corrupt police practices. References