I believe some Police Officers become corrupt, because of the power they withhold. The definition of corruption is dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power. Some examples of Police corruption include extortion, bribery, theft and burglary. Police officers are human beings and have specific individualistic characteristics. They have an incredible amount of power in their hands and sometimes that power is misused. Power is a question of individual behavior and personality traits that a person possesses. This is directly interrelated and correlated to the integrity and ethical morals that certain individuals possess.
Police services have an extensive selection process when it comes to selecting the officers that will join their ranks. This is done to ensure that the individuals are fit mentally and physically. It is essential for police officers to have good morals as their job requires a great level of responsibility and power. The selection process tries to pick out the fit individuals for the job. This is done to avoid individuals who might be going into this career for the wrong reasons. Police officers represent the public and the public represents the police. Police officers need to be role models to the general population and to the people they are sworn to serve and protect. However, some police officers have external influences which push them into making poor decisions in some instances. The job of a police officer requires a high level of integrity as it is very easy to misuse the power they are given. It is the strong character and morals that make an individual avoid the temptation of becoming corrupt. I believe that most police officers get in this career for the right reasons; to help people and to serve their community. They are essentially the face and the image of the people they represent. Therefore, the standards of professionalism need to be upheld at any cost. Finally, certain individuals who do fall under negative influences lose track of what is important and their judgement is clouded when it comes to performing their duties and serving their people. It is crucial for us not to treat corruption lightly and take strict measures against those who are a part of it.
In conclusion, a picture was painted for the reader defining corruption and its negative role in our society. The writer discussed the various reasons as to why some police officers fall into the path of corruption and the many negative effects that corruption carries along with it. In addition, we discussed how corruption affects the community in a negative way and brings forth quite a negative image to a Police Service and to the members who are a direct part of it. Finally, the writer focused on the essential personality traits that a person in power needs to possess in order to handle power and responsibility accordingly and with integrity.
REFERENCES
http://www.popcenter.org/problems/street_prostitution/pdfs/newburn_1999.pdf
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corruption
In this discussion we will discuss in detail and interpret the definition of corruption. The reader will have a further understanding of the meaning of corruption. Further, the writer will portray some of the reasons that some police officers become corrupt. The different types of corruption will also be discussed and identified. The reader will