Is corruption an inherent occupational hazard of law enforcement?
2007-01-31 06:48:49 · 12 answers · asked by Fashionista 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They are human and get the same urges as everybody else. They will try to cut corners to get ahead and support their families. The truth is that it's a minority of them that commit most of these "ethical violations"
As for violations such as excessive abuse, etc....I think that the stuff they see day in and day out gets to them at some point and its a combination of revenge, being overly defensive, and
2007-01-31 07:02:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Power corrupts. Where I live, there is always something going on with the cops. Some are dealing drugs seized from street deallers, others are plotting to break into peoples houses. Then there are thos who fly down the interstate at 120 mph, literally running people off the road, not because they are on there way to a call, but because they can or it's a shift change.
I also hate it when I get a ticket written for 20 over when I was doing 5 over, just because I have an after market exhaust.
That's it for my cop rant for the day...
PS. I should add that I have the utmost respect for those that enforce the law and obey the laws..I even thought about becoming an officer.
2007-01-31 07:01:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, not all law enforcement officers are corrupt..... nor, do they all commit ethical violations......but some do.... simply because they are human with all the same traits as anyone else...failings included.....why do some CEO's steal their company blind when they know that it is wrong? Why does anyone who knows right from wrong do wrong?......it is all abuse ......
It is kind of funny how people ,including myself, view police officers......when I was pulled over for an expired sticker on my vehicle (I didn't know it was dead) ...I was not very happy and even less pleased with the nice fine.......you could say I was pissed ..even though I was at fault for not getting my vehicle inspected on time and getting a new sticker.........now,you can not even imagine the relief and happiness I felt when I seen those flashing lights and sirens pull up outside my home when some drug out Looney was trying to get in.....my kids were babies at the time and my husband was working out of town......so who was the first person I called when that nut started kicking at my door.....
In my opinion law enforcement wouldn't not be the easiest profession....unless it would be writing traffic tickets.... than there is always the risk of getting their head blown off when they approach the car by a nut ......Most of the time when cops are called in...the situation is not a pleasant one....nor, are the people they end up dealing with in the best mind set or shape......these people,officers, are not exposed to best society has to offer on a daily basis they are exposed to the worst...and I would imagine after a time ..some people would be effected negatively by this exposure....
2007-01-31 07:54:58 · answer #3 · answered by LeftField360 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The need to be in charge is very strong in some people. I mean, who would WANT to be a cop except a person who felt the need to enforce their beliefs on others? Essentially, a cop is simply a bully who has a badge and gun, and with it the implied consent of the community to use force to uphold the law. Often, cops will let a situation get personal, and cross the line. Other times, the cop will have a pattern or habit of corrupt behaviour, and will do whatever it takes to cover that up, often citing the suspect as being the one to blame.
This is not to detract from the GOOD cops that are out there, and there are some very good ones who truly do care about their communities. Unfortunately, many people are cops for the wrong reasons.
2007-01-31 07:03:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say that for the most part law enforcement officers who commit ethical violations are human like everyone else, and just as suseptible as anyone else to the situations and errors that would lead to violating professional ethics. Occassionally, they get stuck with a bad choice or another bad choice, so they make what they consider the least bad.
If you are asking why certain law enforcement officers directly, and with intent commit ethical violations, then I'd say given the number and scope of people you are talking about it is inherent that a few bad seeds would exist within that subset.
2007-01-31 07:04:17 · answer #5 · answered by Curious George, C.Ac 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's human nature combined with an abuse of power. Corruption is an inherent human condition, it's not restricted to law enforcement.
2007-01-31 06:59:38 · answer #6 · answered by Pfo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it is and I would be willing to bet almost all have at some point!
Look at the CIA, Germany just issued 13 warrants for the arrest of those who kidnapped and tortured people from Germany and Italy has warrants for the arrest of CIA agents as well!
I don't know that a lot is corruption by stealing, but more the misuse of their power! And we have all seen them do it from speeding to writing canned DUI reports! That doesn't include some of their larger crimes like murder!
2007-01-31 07:04:40 · answer #7 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people who join law enforcement join for the power and authority the position gives. not to protect and serve. Also society views the law as absolute (as do cops) almost as Christan's view the bible (and god) as infallible. So sooner or later absolute power corrupts absolutely
2007-01-31 07:05:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the main reason that officers commit ethical violations is that they get frustrated with the suspect or disagree with them.
2007-01-31 06:58:12 · answer #9 · answered by Jerry H 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are only Human. Like with any job or career, you have the good and the bad.
2007-01-31 06:59:43 · answer #10 · answered by Injun 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋