Police corruption

Question 1

What is the definition of police corruption?

Answer 1

‘Acts involving the misuse of authority or power by a police officer in a manner designed to produce personal gain for him/herself of for others’

Question 2

What are the two main parts which identifies corruption?

Answer 2

1. Misuse of authority

2. Personal gain

Question 3

What are the three categories of corruption?

Answer 3

1. Misfeasance : legal duty performed wrong
2. Nonfeasance: Not doing what you’re supposed to
3. Malfeasance: a wrong act; intentional commission of a prohibited act

Question 4

What are the costs of corruption?

Answer 4

1. Undermines law enforcement
2. Undermines professionalism
3. Undermines effectiveness of CJS
4. Undermines public confidence

Question 5

The most common form of corruption is?

Answer 5

Gratuities

Question 6

What are the pro’s of gratuities?

Answer 6

1. Natural way to show appreciation
2. Maintains a good relationship between police and public
3. The police do a difficult job so deserve considerate treatment
4. The police should be able to tell the difference between appreciation and a bribe
5. Are gratuities significant enough to be classed as corruption?

Question 7

What are some cons regarding gratuities?

Answer 7

1. Sense of obligation towards the person
2. Accepting gratuities implies the officer is not acting solely of the basis of public duty.
3. Insinuates that the police are more deserving than others
4. If the officer is weak and inexperienced then they may not be able to tell the difference between appreciation and a bribe

Question 8

How prevalent is corruption in the UK according to the Home Office (Miller 2003)?

Answer 8

In 8 forces it is estimated that between 0.5% and 1% of police staff were potentially corrupt.

Question 9

What are the internal strategies of control?

Answer 9

Policies: setting standards of behaviour, being consistent in police operations, training, supervision and discipline.

Question 10

What are the external strategies of control?

Answer 10

1. Special investigations e.g. SOCA
2. Criminal prosecution (rare as normally told to take long leave or retire)
3. Public opinion
4. Citizen oversight of the police (PCC)
5. Changes in law

Question 11

How does the police working environment breed police deviance?

Answer 11

1. Lack of supervision
2. Low visibility
3. Variables in the environment
4. Opportunities and temptation
5. Moral cynicism (seeing other officers do it)
6. Police specifically targeted by organised crime