NCJ Number
64677
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1974) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1974
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THE CONSEQUENCE OF OFFICIAL CORRUPTION IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ERADICATING SUCH CORRUPTION ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
CORRUPTION AMONG THE AGENCIES AND PERSONNEL OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM HAS A CORROSIVE EFFECT ON THE ENTIRE JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE AUTHORITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE SOCIAL CONTROL SYSTEM IS UNDERMINED, AND PUBLIC TRUST IN GOVERNMENT IS REPLACED BY CYNICISM, SUSPICION, AND REACTIVE NONCOOPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISE. THE ERADICATION AND PREVENTION OF OFFICIAL CORRUPTION SHOULD HAVE TOP PRIORITY IN EVERY COMMUNITY. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CRIME AND DELINQUENCY SUPPORTS THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE REGARDING STEPS FOR DEALING WITH OFFICIAL CORRUPTION. THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE DETERMINING THE EXTENT TO WHICH CORRUPTION IS A CONDITION OF INDIVIDUAL HUMAN WEAKNESS AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT HAS BECOME INSTITUTIONALIZED AS PART OF THE SYSTEM OF OPERATION. A DETERMINATION SHOULD ALSO BE MADE REGARDING WHETHER A CONNECTION EXISTS AMONG LAWS, PROHIBITORY REGULATIONS, MONITORING FUNCTIONS, PROFESSIONAL AND PUBLIC ATTITUDES, AND OFFICIAL CORRUPTION. THE SUBJECT OF OFFICIAL CORRUPTION SHOULD BE TREATED AT CONFERENCES, IN POLICE TRAINING PROGRAMS, AND IN PUBLIC EDUCATION EFFORTS OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS. INDEPENDENT STATE INVESTIGATIVE COMMISSIONS SHOULD ALSO BE ESTABLISHED, AND, WHERE NECESSARY, SPECIAL PROSECUTORS SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO DEAL WITH ALL FORMS AND LEVELS OF OFFICIAL CORRUPTION. FOOTNOTES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)