NCJ Number
191506
Date Published
December 2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the dynamics of drug-related corruption in law enforcement and suggests ways to counter such corruption.
Abstract
Corruption of criminal justice personnel by those involved in trafficking of illegal drugs primarily takes the form of bribery. In return for money or drugs, corrupted officials may provide information on law enforcement intelligence; overlook drug possession, sales, or manufacture; protect drug dealers; eliminate rival dealers through arrest or murder; or overlook or facilitate drug smuggling. Countering such corruption requires public pressure and official commitment. Opportunities for corruption can be reduced through effective personnel supervision and the reduction of temptations through effective recruitment and training. Higher recruitment standards can help screen out persons whose character and background make them high risks for corruption. Training should include extensive and ongoing integrity training and the use of integrity measures for promotion. In addition, law enforcement officers should be required to make full and complete disclosure of all income, assets, and debts. The rotation of personnel assignments is particularly important in drug units, so as to reduce opportunities and conditioning that can increase the risk for corruption. Other areas in which action can be taken to reduce corruption are in implementing a code of integrity, addressing police brutality, and making it clear to police officers that their highest loyalty is to protection of the public rather than to corrupting pressures from family and friends.