PEER GROUP SUPPORT FOR POLICE OCCUPATIONAL DEVIANCE (FROM POLICE DEVIANCE, THIRD EDITION, P 45-57, 1994, THOMAS BARKER AND DAVID L CARTER, EDS. -- SEE NCJ-144538)

• NCJ Number: 144542
• Author(s): T Barker
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper presents a theoretical frame of reference for police occupational deviance designed to guide research and stimulate discussion in this area.

Abstract

Robin has stated that occupational crimes are occupational violations by "normal" persons during the course of occupational activity and are related to employment (Robin, 1974). A broadening of Robin's definition of occupational crime to cover occupational deviance, i.e., deviant behavior (criminal and noncriminal) committed during the course of "normal" work activities, provides a framework for a study of police corruption. A definition of occupational deviance should encompass violations of any or all the following normative systems: criminal acts that are directly related to employment, violations of occupationally prescribed ethical standards, and violations of work rules and regulations. In addition, for a violation to be considered an act of corruption, the police officer must receive or expect to receive some material reward. Most occupations provide their members with three elements that are important to an understanding of occupational deviance: opportunity structure and its accompanying techniques of rule violations, socialization through occupational experiences, and reinforcement and encouragement from the occupational peer group. This paper examines the dynamic of each of these elements in relation to police occupational deviance. Overall, the paper concludes that the police occupation per se provides its members with numerous opportunities for corrupt acts and other forms of deviance. In some police departments, there is a social setting in which this inherent occupational structure is combined with peer group support and tolerance for certain patterns of corruption. The peer group indoctrinates and socializes the rookie into patterns of acceptable corrupt activities, sanctions deviations outside these boundaries, and sanctions officers who do not participate in peer-supported corrupt acts. 31 references and 4 study questions