INVITATIONAL EDGES OF CORRUPTION - SOME CONSEQUENCES OF NARCOTIC LAW ENFORCEMENT (FROM POLICING - A VIEW FROM THE STREET, 1978, BY PETER K MANNING AND JOHN VAN MAANEN SEE NCJ-55527)

• NCJ Number: 55529
• Author(s): P K MANNING; L J REDLINGER
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 20 pages
• Corporate Author: Goodyear Publishing Co
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: REPRINTED FROM DRUGS AND POLITICS' BY PAUL ROCK (ED), 1977

Annotation

THE ENFORCERS OF THE NARCOTICS LAWS STAND ON THE INVITATIONAL EDGE OF CORRUPTION AND THE PROBLEMS THEY ENCOUNTER WHILE REGULATING AND ATTEMPTING TO ERADICATE DRUG TRAFFICKING ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE IN OTHER MARKETS.

Abstract

LICIT AND ILLICIT MARKETS HAVE MANY FEATURES IN COMMON, BUT THEY DIFFER SUBSTANTIALLY AS A RESULT OF THE MORAL INTENTION OF REGULATORY STATUTES, THE LOYALTIES OF THOSE APPLYING THE STATUTES, AND THE MANNER OF APPLICATION. SELLERS IN LICIT MARKETS HAVE BOTH LEGITIMATE AND ILLEGITIMATE MEANS TO INFLUENCE REGULATORY POLICIES AND ACTION, WHILE SELLERS OF ILLICIT GOODS AND SERVICES HAVE RECOURSE ONLY TO ILLICIT MEANS. MOREOVER, BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THEIR INCREDIBILITY, ILLICIT SELLERS MUST FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION ON ENFORCEMENT AGENTS. SUCH CORRUPTION REFERS TO DEPARTURES FROM CORRECT PROCEDURE IN EXCHANGE FOR SOME GOODS, SERVICES, OR MONEY. THE CORRUPTION OF ENFORCEMENT AGENTS CAN OCCUR IN SEVEN PRINCIPAL WAYS. BRIBETAKING IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF CORRUPTION AND IS MANIFEST IN TWO WAYS--PAYOFFS FROM DEALERS FOR ADVANCE WARNING OF RAIDS AND SUCH, AND PAYOFFS MADE AT THE TIME OF A RAID OR ARREST. DRUG USE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS IS ANOTHER SERIOUS FORM OF CORRUPTION. AGENTS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO USE NONPRESCRIPTION UPPERS TO PHYSICALLY SUSTAIN THEMSELVES DURING THE LONG HOURS AND DULL ROUTINE OF THEIR WORK, AND OTHERS OFTEN MAINTAIN STOCKS OF NARCOTICS AS PART OF THEIR UNDERCOVER ROLES. BUYING AND SELLING NARCOTICS IS STILL ANOTHER MANIFESTATION OF CORRUPTION; EVIDENCE GATHERED BY JOURNALISTS SUGGESTS THAT DEALING IN NARCOTICS EXISTS AMONG AGENTS, ESPECIALLY LOCAL OFFICERS IN LOS ANGELES, CALIF., AND NEW YORK CITY. ANOTHER FORM OF CORRUPTION INVOLVES THE THEFTS OF PROPERTY CONFISCATED DURING DRUG INVESTIGATIONS, INCLUDING PERSONAL VALUABLES AND THE DRUGS THEMSELVES. OTHER EXAMPLES OF CORRUPTION RESULT FROM DEPARTMENTAL PRESSURES TO MAKE ARREST. AGENTS INITIATE ILLEGAL SEARCHES AND SEIZURES, PROTECT CRIMINAL INFORMANTS, AND PHYSICALLY ABUSE SUSPECTS, ALL IN AN EFFORT TO SECURE THE COVETED ARREST STATISTICS UPON WHICH THEIR ADVANCEMENT DEPENDS. REFERENCES ARE NOTED. (KBL)