NCJ Number
15252
Editor(s)
J A GARDINER,
D J OLSON
Date Published
1974
Length
447 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF MUNICIPAL CORRUPTION, INCLUDING THE INFLUENCE OF ORGANIZED CRIME, POLICE CORRUPTION, AND MISCONDUCT BY ELECTED AND APPOINTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
Abstract
THE READINGS THAT CONSTITUTE THE THEFT OF THE CITY HAVE BEEN ORGANIZED INTO THREE MAIN CATEGORIES. THE FIRST SELECTION DEALS WITH THE DEFINITION OF CORRUPTION. IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT, BOTH FACTUALLY AND CONCEPTUALLY, TO IDENTIFY THE ACTS THAT ARE BASED UPON CORRUPT MOTIVES OR TO SORT OUT THE CORRUPT FROM THE LEGITIMATE MOTIVES IN A PARTICULAR ACT. THESE READINGS SUGGEST CRITERIA FOR MAKING THESE DECISIONS AND DESCRIBE CLASSIC EXAMPLES OF URBAN CORRUPTION. THE SELECTIONS IN PART II IDENTIFY THE TARGETS OF CORRUPTION. ONE OF THE TARGETS (ESPECIALLY OF ORGANIZED CRIME) IS THE IMMOBILIZATION OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW ENFORCEMENT MACHINERY OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND THE COURTS. GRAFT AND KICKBACKS INVOLVING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS ARE ALSO DISCUSSED IN THIS SECTION. ONE OF THE SELECTIONS THAT IS INCLUDED IS 'KICKBACKS ON ENGINEERING CONTRACTS IN MARYLAND' IN WHICH THE PROSECUTING U.S. ATTORNEY DETAILS FORMER VICE-PRESIDENT AGNEW'S ROLE IN THE SCANDAL THAT LED TO HIS RESIGNATION. PART III DEALS WITH THE CAUSES AND THE COSTS OF CORRUPTION. THESE READINGS ARE DIVIDED CONCERNING WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRUPTION - THE INDIVIDUAL PREPETRATOR OR OUR SOCIAL SYSTEM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)