Police Corruption Research Paper

Police Corruption: Prevention Measures Police corruption is an issue that encompasses most police departments to some degree. The dangerous nature of the job coupled with individual discretionary measures offers opportunities for unethical and illegal behavior on a daily basis. While officers deal with criminals, temptation is present to obtain money, property, or case related information by ways of misconduct. These acts can be rationalized or even excused due to the pure nature of police work; a dangerous job with little compensation. The underlying issue with police corruption, aside from obvious immoral behavior, is that it effects the community's perception of police work, while putting the safety and trust of the public at risk. While …show more content…
In addressing police corruption, it should be noted, that each instance should be handled based on an analysis of each individual department’s culture; “different contexts will require different solutions” (Bayley & Perito, 2011). With that being said, implemented prevention programs will need to address specific issues that affect each individual department’s locality. Recruitment, management styles, disciplinary processes, and training should also reflect a department’s external environment, in an effort to better utilize ethical standards. An important strategy in reducing police corruption would be implementing permanent external oversight. Increasing the supervision and accountability of police officers will give them less opportunity to act illegally or immorally because of the close mindful watch, with their livelihood on the line. The internal camaraderie, often exhumes a “look the other way” mentality, which facilitates police corruption. By enforcing rules externally, with supervisors or managers with little to no relationship with the officers, rules should be applied with appropriate consequences put in to