Current Problems in the Fight Against Corruption and Some Possible Solutions: U.S. Perspective (From Resource Material Series No. 56, P 400-411, 2000, Hiroshi Iitsuka and Rebecca Findlay-Debeck, eds. -- See NCJ-191475)

• NCJ Number: 191504
• Author(s): Anthony D. Castberg
• Date Published: December 2000
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Japan
• Note: A paper from the 113th UNAFEI International Training Course, "The Effective Administration of Criminal Justice for the Prevention of Corrupt Activities by Public Officials," August 30-November 18, 1999.

Annotation

This paper identifies the problems in addressing public corruption in the United States and some strategies for attacking these problems.

Abstract

In America, official corruption may range from free restaurant meals for police officers to bribes paid to high-ranking Federal officials by stock manipulators. Many corruption investigations involve illegal contributions made to political campaigns. In such cases, detection is often done by agencies created for this purpose. This contrasts with other types of corruption that are investigated only after tips provided by "whistleblowers" and other citizens. Although the decision regarding whether to initiate an investigation should rest solely on the sufficiency of evidence, in practice they are influenced also by the availability of resources and by political considerations. Few local law enforcement agencies in the United States have the capability of investigating significant cases of official corruption. The legal preparation and monitoring of a major corruption investigation is often complex and lengthy, involving search warrants that must be approved by judges. All investigative actions are dependent on legislation that clearly delineates what constitutes official corruption. Specialized training is important in preparing prosecutors and judges to fight corruption, and specialization within these professions may be required in the handling of corruption cases. Where possible, one or more prosecutors should be assigned solely to corruption cases. Measures must also be adopted to prevent corrupt public activities. These measures must include laws and codes of ethical conduct. This paper also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in combating corruption, since a large measure of corruption stems from the bribery of public officials by global drug cartels. 36 notes