Corruption Prevention Policy

Proactive Prevention Measures:  A specific number of officers will be appointed or a separate unit will be established to handle corruption prevention measures.  There responsibilities will be:  To review the findings of the internal affairs investigations for patterns which are indicative of corrupt police behavior.

To review duty assignments to ensure that periodic rotations are occurring according to requirements.

To review overtime pay assignments......

Corruption is defined as "acts involving the misuse of authority by a police officer in a manner designed to produce personal gain for  him/herself or others."   Every  Department should have policy in place for the detection/prevention of  police corruption.   Unfortunately, the problem with corruption is that it flows from the top, down. It is for these reasons that Departments hire outside administrators to deter the formation of "good old boys" networks.

It is for this same reason that many Departments implement corruption prevention policy. This can be most advantageous to both the officer and the union as it lays the foundation for grievances to be filed.  Grievances that would otherwise be denied on the grounds of "managerial prerogative" are now given credence and can be used to bring disparities to light.  Check your Department Guidelines to determine if you have a Corruption Prevention Policy.  If you do not, you may want to request that your Department implement one, they will be hard pressed to justify a decision against such a policy.

Detecting Corruption

"The commission uncovered a systemic pattern of official misconduct, nepotism and abuse of the public trust so pervasive in this community as to cause local budgetary hardships and jeopardize the local police department's ability to finance its operation."

The Commission Report that the above quote was taken from outlines the many forms that corruption takes within a police department and is offered to help the officer and union recognize these forms and look for them within his/her department.

Although many officers feel that they do not have access to the information contained in this report, most of it is public information and can be obtained through the use of OPRA (Open Public Records Act).  Each municipality or agency should have on its web site a OPRA form and instructions for filling out same.

Grant information should also be available to you through this request.  If it is not, the officer can contact the grant agency directly or through the League of Municipalities to obtain the information.

Commissions can be formed at the request of your union.  A neutral "investigator" (usually an attorney) can be assigned to audit the police department and the union's complaints.  Your governing authority, Director of Public Safety, Mayor, etc., would be the ones to order an investigation into complaints of corruption.