It is human nature, I suppose, this natural desire to fit in. We create relationships and search for accord in a likeminded crowd. With few exceptions, humans instinctually long to belong. We have all experienced this longing - those situations where we wish for even the slightest nod or hint of attention from another person, a bit of acknowledgement for accomplished work. Recall the variety of thoughts that emerge in particular social situations or at a workplace: e.g., “first day of school, will I have any friends”, “wow she is gorgeous, I hope to talk to her”, and “will my boss notice my job well done and finally give me that raise?” Whether we encounter a “hello” from a passerby or wish to start a family with a loved one, we all yearn
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Now, most officers are not naturally corrupt. Unfortunately, it only takes one leader who is both charismatic and corrupted to spoil an entire division. In Copland, Lt. Moe Tilden, internal affairs investigator, makes he similar claim. He says, “Everyday, I see cops who lost their way. And I can tell you – these lost cops – they are a minority – but they tend together... They infect those around them. They are like maggots. Where you find one – you often find a nest.” In both Copland and Serpico, the police forces have become “infected,” just as Lt. Tilden claims. If institutions can train cops to fight against the urge to fit in with the group, then more cops would follow suit of Serpico and Heflin, ultimately building more just police institutions from the ground up.
Other solutions for ridding corruption include offering support for cops who may face disdain because of reporting misconduct. In addition, governments must insure that their internal affairs operations contain individuals that will always strive for justice. Now, this will occur easily, but through review of personnel and severe consequences for anyone who does break the rules, governments can create just internal affairs committees. This will serve the system well because it offers a surefire option for just police officers to report
Now, most officers are not naturally corrupt. Unfortunately, it only takes one leader who is both charismatic and corrupted to spoil an entire division. In Copland, Lt. Moe Tilden, internal affairs investigator, makes he similar claim. He says, “Everyday, I see cops who lost their way. And I can tell you – these lost cops – they are a minority – but they tend together... They infect those around them. They are like maggots. Where you find one – you often find a nest.” In both Copland and Serpico, the police forces have become “infected,” just as Lt. Tilden claims. If institutions can train cops to fight against the urge to fit in with the group, then more cops would follow suit of Serpico and Heflin, ultimately building more just police institutions from the ground up.
Other solutions for ridding corruption include offering support for cops who may face disdain because of reporting misconduct. In addition, governments must insure that their internal affairs operations contain individuals that will always strive for justice. Now, this will occur easily, but through review of personnel and severe consequences for anyone who does break the rules, governments can create just internal affairs committees. This will serve the system well because it offers a surefire option for just police officers to report