NCJ Number
193779
Date Published
2001
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article examines police misconduct as bribery in its various forms, the use or misuse of street justice, lying while on the job, and the management and attitudes of patrol officers that foster and promote such conduct.
Abstract
Bribery of police officers may consist of free or discounted meals and services; the acceptance of "kickbacks" for services rendered; theft during investigations; "shakedown" (forcing payment for protection); fixing cases; protection of illegal activities; and internal bribery for favorable assignments. In discussing an officer's use of "street justice" as a form of police misconduct, "street justice" is defined as acting "in a given situation in an extralegal manner to accomplish a purpose the he or she perceives as just and appropriate under the circumstances." This involves taking any action in violation of, or failing to act in accordance with, an officer's duty as defined by either State statute of departmental regulations. In discussing "lying," the author notes that although "deception" may not involve an outright misstatement of fact, it has the same end as a lie, namely, to deceive the hearer into believing some fact that the officer does not believe to be true. Types of deception are described, followed by an outline of the various reasons a police officer might lie to someone. The author also discusses how departmental policies and attitudes can promote a climate in which corruption can flourish. 14 references