NCJ Number
138713
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 294-313
Date Published
1992
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article examines how mandated changes in the screening, selection, and hiring of Miami police officers in the early 1980's contributed to corruption of significant proportions.
Abstract
Study data were gathered from official records, summaries of official documents and newspaper reports, and interviews with supervisors within the department's personnel unit. Overall, about 12 percent of the police officers hired between June 1980 and June 1983 were fired, suspended, and/or convicted of criminal charges. Their misconduct consisted of drug smuggling, murder, and other offenses. The political, legal, and organizational events that took place in the community and in the department in the years before 1985, when the "River Cops" scandal occurred, helped promote the corruption. These events included racial and ethnic problems, affirmative-action requirements in hiring, and poor departmental supervision practices. The experience indicates that both individual and organizational factors must be addressed to combat the problem of corruption. Strengthened selection and training are critical first steps, and procedures for prompt discipline or dismissal of problem officers are also essential. Tables, note, and 25 references (Author summary modified)