Police Corruption

Police Corruption

Wanda Coates

American Intercontinental University

September 21, 2014

Corruption is a big concern police departments all over the world and can be defined as many things such as accepting bribes, excessive use of force, receiving gratuity, or fixing tickets. Corruption leaves the department open for litigation. While receiving special treatment because of authority seems great, it is a vast abuse of power. Officers of the law are meant to protect and serve the community not do things for personal gain.

In the situation of officers receiving free lunch at the local family-owned restaurant, this is considered a gift. As officers of the law, there is no room for receiving gifts or any kind of gratuity. This is considered an abuse of power. While this maybe something that the restaurant owner if offering without any coercing, it should be declined and everyone should be paying for their meals.

Rather on duty or off duty an officer should pay for their meals when dining at this restaurant. “There are a few different ways in which corrupt acts committed by the police result in direct forms of victimisation. One obvious way is when the powers available to police officers are used in committing crimes that have direct victims. One example of this is outright stealing from individuals and businesses.”(Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation). Accepting meals without paying local business owners is not only affecting that business but it also affects the community. This is taking away from the business profit and taking away from the stability of mom and pop established business in the area.

Rather on duty or off duty, still paying for meals shows support for the community. It also builds respect for the local officers. When you are not required to pay but you do anyway, this ensures the community that the police are on their job. People feel safer when they feel that police officers care about the community.

Receiving a free meal...