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POLICE ADMINISTRATOR LOOKS AT POLICE CORRUPTION

NCJ Number
39734
Author(s)
W MCCATHY
Date Published
Unknown
Length
58 pages
Annotation
A FORMER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY DISCUSSES THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLICE CORRUPTION AND WAYS TO CONTROL IT.
Abstract
CORRUPTION OFTEN STARTS WITH THE ROOKIE'S FIRST DAY OF WORK WHEN THE VETERAN OFFICER TELLS HIM TO FORGET WHAT HE LEARNED IN THE ACADEMY AND TO DO THINGS THE WAY HE DOES THEM. THE POSSIBILITIES FOR CORRUPTION ON FIELD ASSIGNMENTS ARE ONLY LIMITED BY THE SANCTIONS APPLIED AGAINST OVERLY GREEDY POLICE OFFICERS BY THEIR CORRUPT FELLOWS. THE ROLE OF THE POLICE ADMINISTRATOR VIS-A-VIS CORRUPTION IN HIS DEPARTMENT IS DISCUSSED IN RELATION TO THE RANGE OF CORRUPT PRACTICES. OFTEN IT IS A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT TO MAKE A MINIMAL CHANGE IN DEPARTMENTAL ATTITUDES. OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE ADMINISTERING THE ELIMINATION OF CORRUPTION, OBTAINING EVIDENCE OF CORRUPTION, AND THE OPERATION OF AN EFFICIENT INTERNAL AFFAIRS UNIT. THE AUTHOR RECOMMENDS INTEGRITY-TESTING AS A GOOD WAY TO DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF CORRUPTION. THIS CAN BE DONE BY PLANTING SUMS OF MONEY IN A CAR, SETTING UP 'PHONY' ILLEGAL ENTERPRISES, ETC. AND SEEING IF OFFICERS FALL FOR THE TRAP....PLO