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Police Corruption And Corruption

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When people think of or discuss issues within policing in the United States, one of the main topics that has been around for as long as the police have, is corruption. Police corruption has been defined as the abuse of police authority for personal gain ("Police Corruption and Misconduct." West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. 2008. The Gale Group 4 Dec. 2017) . Corruption can be as limited as one officer, or can be group of officers as well. There is the rotten apple theory, which attempts to explain police corruption and where it comes from. While all corruption fits under abuse of authority, there are different ways in which the police can be corrupt. Corruption can fit many different scenarios and situations, from drugs, …show more content…

The FBI arranged an undercover agent and vehicle that was equipped with cameras, to be stopped by Fairview Township PD. Baker had the vehicle towed, and without a warrant and disregarding orders from an FBI agent not to search the vehicle, he searched the vehicle and stole $3,000 from a gym bag that was in the trunk. Baker was arrested by the FBI two days later, and confessed to both incidents. (U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Former Police Officer Convicted On Corruption Charges”.Justice.gov.U.S. Department Of Justice, 9/15/2017). Both these articles show that police corruption is still present in our society and police departments, and even veteran officers can be involved. They also show that many times corrupt officers do tell other officers what they do, and sometimes attempt to bring other officers into their schemes. Which does not make it any easier to investigate, because of the strong bond and loyalty between officers, and the fear of being labeled as a “rat” or someone the brotherhood can’t trust. While police corruption has been present in society for as long as there have been police, there have also been measures put in place to investigate and deter this behavior. The Knapp Commission was created in 1970 to investigate and control police corruption in New York City, when it was flooded with corruption. It was discovered that police would allow illegal gambling, if

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