NCJ Number
179045
Journal
Policing Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: 1999 Pages: 264-279
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that pervasive corruption within the Indian police organization is an expression of the organizational culture that has its roots in the British Raj.
Abstract
Based on an insider's perspectives, this paper describes some unusual forms of India's police corruption and suggests how theses emanate from organizational practices that have continued unchanged for more than 100 years. The police in India have a reputation for extortion, which is perhaps even more widespread and brazen than ever before. Every rank is known to have been involved in such corruption. Investigation of cases and decisions to arrest a suspect, submit a charge sheet, or close some pending investigation are all processes that are generally influenced by pecuniary considerations. Among the senior ranks, most of the corruption comes from the administrative power associated with the management of the organization. Senior officers typically have lavish lifestyles maintained by official expenses. Such pervasive corruption flourishes because of an organizational culture that has evolved in the system through several kinds of practices, beliefs, and value systems. The subculture of the Indian police was built by the British for the purpose of establishing their Raj (absolute hegemony and grandeur). The police were meant to suppress any dissent against the British rule, a situation that gave unlimited power to the police officers. Consequently, corruption became endemic and rampant in the police department. After independence the system has not been reformed, and police culture and organizational practices remain unchanged. During the British rule, accountability of the rulers to the citizens was not an issue. Post-independent India is democratic, and the power to change the government lies with the people. Nevertheless, the old system continues and the police are still not accountable to the citizens. Police corruption can only be controlled through a cultural transformation within the police organization. 3 notes and 90 references