Police Corruption ─ Preventing Misconduct and Maintaining Integrity

While many police officers undertake their work conforming to the highest ethical standards, the fact remains that unethical police conduct continues to be a recurring problem around the world. With examples from a range of jurisdictions, Police Corruption: Preventing Misconduct and Maintaining Integrity examines the causes of police misconduct and explores applied strategies designed to maximize ethical conduct and identify and prevent corruption.

Analyzes the roots of corruption

Introducing the phenomenon of police officer misconduct, the book provides an analysis of unethical behavior, its effects, and different causal factors. The author examines the impact on the community and the police themselves, the dilemma of establishing universal ethical principles, and ways of identifying and measuring misconduct problems. The remainder of the text examines applied strategies designed to maximize ethical conduct and prevent corruption.
A myriad of proven strategies

Exploring a wide range of approaches, the book discusses best practices in the recruitment of ethical applicants, strategies for dealing with misconduct, risk reduction strategies and early warning and intervention systems, along with advanced strategies such as drug and alcohol testing, integrity tests, and the use of covert surveillance. The text also explores the role of independent external oversight bodies that audit police strategies and conduct their own investigation. The final chapter on ethical leadership emphasizes the need to go beyond a checklist of rules with leadership that values, requires, and models integrity in all aspects of police work.
Examples from around the world

Taking a global approach, this volume recognizes that policing is prone to the same potential problems of corruption and misconduct everywhere in the world. Highlighting the importance of establishing robust and enduring anti-corruption protocols in new and emerging democracies, the book provides a model comprehensive integrity system, underscoring the need for a sustained commitment to combat corruption.

The Misconduct Problem in Policing
Historical Background
Major Judicial Inquiries and Associated Corruption Cases
Academic Research
Notorious Cases
The Irish Miscarriages of Justice Cases
Ruby Ridge
Abner Louima
The Dutroux Affair
Police Death Squads
"Mafia Cops"
The Problem of Ambiguity
Conclusion
Understanding Police Misconduct
Categorizing Police Misconduct
Impacts
Causes of Police Misconduct
Structure
Culture
Conclusion
Setting Standards
The Importance of Police Ethics
Police Powers
Police Legitimacy
Police Legitimacy and Ethical Policing in Unequal or Nondemocratic Societies
Constabulary Independence and the Separation of Powers
The Role of Codes of Ethics
Discretion
Due Process, Including Deception and Entrapment
Torture
Graft
Loyalty and Whistle-Blowing
Gratuities
Confidentiality
Force
Cooperation Between Policing Agencies
Custody Requirements
Striking and Moonlighting
Personal Conduct
Conclusion
Measuring Misconduct and Integrity
Inquiries
The Press
Citizen Action Groups and Integrated Methods
Complaints and Discipline Data
Surveys and Interviews
Defendant Surveys
Public Confidence Surveys
Police Surveys
Police Ethical Climate Surveys
Legal Professionals
Litigation
Incident Data
System Audits
Integrity System Assessments
Conclusion
Recruitment and Training
Background
Promotional Material
Criminal History Checks
Referees
Panel Interviews
Personality and Psychological Testing
A Recruitment Integrity Committee
Nondiscriminatory Recruitment, Affirmative Action, and Women Police
Polygraph Testing
Illicit-Drug Testing
Home Visits
Intelligence Checks on Associates
Character Checking in Recruit Training and Probationary Programs
Higher Recruitment Age
Personal Financial Checking
Recruit Training and Education in Ethics
Higher Educational Standards
In-Service Training and Education
Conclusion
An Advanced Complaints and Discipline System
Background
Complaints and Discipline
Key Elements of an Advanced Complaints and DisciplineSystem
A Professional Standards Unit
Mandatory Police Reporting and Whistle-Blower Protection and Support
Reception
Case Assessment and Allocation
Quality Investigations
Final Outcomes
Inquisitorial Methods and Administrative Authority
Officer Rights
A Disciplinary Matrix
Alternative Responses
Advanced Techniques
Responding to Vexatious Complaints
Quality Control
Conclusion
Alternative Dispute Resolution
The ADR Movement
ADR for Complaints Against Police
Mediation
Informal Resolution
Managerial Resolution
Evaluations of ADR for Complaints Against Police
Quality Control, Intelligence, and Behavioral Change
System Controls and Risk Management
Background
Strategic Intelligence
Complaints
Principles of Complaint Profiling and Early Intervention
Individual Profiling: Some Case Studies
The Victoria Police Early Intervention System
Early Intervention: Unit Profiles
Broader Risk Management and Threat Assessments
High-Speed Pursuits
Data Access Controls and Data Trails
Informant Management
Due Process in Investigations and Prosecutions
Corruption Hazards and Rotation of Personnel
Miscellaneous Areas of High Risk
Raids
Public Order Policing
Theft of Property
Intelligence Gathering for Investigations and Covert Operations
Maintaining Momentum and Maximizing Yields
Conclusion
Advanced Techniques
Background
Integrity Testing
Targeted and Random Tests
Legal and Ethical Issues
Associated Issues
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Covert Surveillance
Undercover Agents
Financial Audits and Indirect Incapacitation Strategies
Witness Protection Programs
Conclusion
External Oversight
Background
Stakeholder Perspectives
Inquiries
Oversight Agencies
Complainants
Police Perspectives
Public Opinion
Civil Liberties Groups
Government Reviews
The Performance of External Agencies
A Model Oversight System
Conclusion
Leadership for Integrity
Background
Types of Leadership
Assessing the Impacts of Ethical Leadership
Overcoming the Internal Cultural Divide
Ethical Leadership and Integrity Mechanisms
Selection and Education of Ethical Leaders
Ethical Leadership and the Compstat Model
Police Union Leaders
Conclusion
References
Index