NCJ Number
110015
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Police corruption may involve the extortion of payments from bar and nightclub owners or from operators of illegal vice activities, evidence abuses, and case fixing.
Abstract
Typically, police corruption is difficult to prove because of the 'conspiracy of silence' among police officers and among those who provide illegal payments to them. The first step in investigation is to focus upon those making the illegal payments. Once these persons are identified, investigators can choose among various techniques in developing the case. These include wiretaps and other electronic surveillance, undercover operations, grants of formal and informal 'use' immunities, and investigative grand juries, including document and record subpoenas. After evidence has been developed, the principal statutory tools available in prosecution are the criminal provisions of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the Hobbs Act, the Federal obstruction of justice statutes, and Federal and State bribery statutes. A number of postindictment, trial, and posttrial strategies may be useful in ensuring successful prosecution and extending later investigation into the upper echelons of the police department.