Integrity Problems in the Police Organization: Police Officers' Perceptions Reviewed (From Policing in Central and Eastern Europe: Deviance, Violence, and Victimization, P 25-37, 2002, Milan Pagon, ed. -- See NCJ-206198)

• NCJ Number: 206201
• Author(s): Karin Lasthuizen; Leo Huberts; Muel Kaptein
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: College of Police and Security Studies
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Slovenia

Annotation

This study examined Dutch police officers' views of deviant behavior of police officers in the context of performing their duties.

Abstract

The Dutch police force has an "integrity policy" specified in the Integrity Statute. In this statute the integrity requirements for a police officer are listed under the following general categories: democratic consciousness, trustworthiness and respect, independence and impartiality, the use of violence, dealing with confidential information, and the appropriate use of authorities. In order to solicit Dutch police officers' perceptions of integrity and integrity violations, this study administered the so-called Integrity Thermometer to 3,125 police respondents between 1996 and 1999. The respondents were employed in several regional police forces in the Netherlands. The questionnaire contained several questions about various forms of deviant behavior and misconduct, including how often the various forms of integrity violations occurred in their forces and the acceptability of the behaviors. The integrity violations described included corruption (gain for oneself, family, or friends); fraud and theft; conflict of private and public interest through gifts and assets, job, and activities; improper use of violence against citizens and suspects; improper investigative methods; abuse and manipulation of information; discrimination and sexual harassment; waste and abuse of organizational resources; and misconduct while off-duty. The study found that relatively many Dutch police officers did not find it problematic when private and organizational interests become entangled, i.e., when police use their position and authority to provide special favors for family and friends. They were more strict regarding the acceptability of nepotism/favoritism within the organization, fraud, the arrangement of private discounts on services/goods on-duty, discrimination and sexual harassment, false reporting of sickness, and the careless use of organizational resources. 5 tables and 36 references