NCJ Number
45871
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
WHAT CONSTITUTES CORRUPTION; THE FACTORS IN THE INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, AND JOB THAT INFLUENCE IT; AND THE ROOTS OF CORRUPTION ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
CRIMINAL ACTS IN WHICH OFFICERS NOT ONLY VIOLATE STATUTORY LAW, BUT ALSO MISUSE THEIR POSITION TO CARRY OUT THE CRIME; THE VIOLATION OF AN OATH OF OFFICE OR MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE; AND VIOLATIONS OF DEPARTMENTAL REGULATIONS ARE CONSIDERED TO CONSTITUTE POLICE CORRUPTION. THREE INTERRELATED ELEMENTS CONSIDERED IN THE ANALYSIS OF POLICE CORRUPTION ARE: THE INDIVIDUAL OFFICER, WHICH INVOLVES THE INTERNALIZED VALUES AND MORALITY DETERMINING HIS BEHAVIOR; THE GROUP, WHICH INVOLVES THE TENDENCY TO AVOID GETTING A FELLOW OFFICER IN TROUBLE BY REPORTING CORRUPTION; AND THE JOB, WHICH INVOLVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SELF-SERVING, CORRUPTING DECISIONS IN PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS. THE GENERAL PRACTICE OF EXCHANGING GIFTS OR SERVICES FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT IS ACCEPTED IN OUR SOCIETY, AND THIS PRINCIPLE IS CONSIDERED TO BE AT THE ROOT OF POLICE CORRUPTION. THE PAYMENT OF MONEY, GOODS, OR SERVICES FROM BUSINESSMEN TO POLICE OFFICERS IS BELIEVED TO BE A WIDESPREAD, TRADITIONAL PRACTICE IN MANY JURISDICTIONS. THIS CAN THEN LEAD TO MORE SERIOUS FORMS OF CORRUPTION THAT TEND TO BE OVERLOOKED. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE ARTICLE IS A DISCUSSION OF THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE FEDERAL PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS' BENEFIT ACT OF 1976. AN OUTLINE FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE CONTENTS OF THE PUBLICATION AND A QUESTION AND ANSWER SECTION ON THE INFORMATION PRESENTED ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)