Contemporary Issues Of Criminal Justice

5 Pages 1290 Words

Chapter 6
The 19th century is characterized as a period of police corruption. What contributed to this corruption?

The main reason that contributed to police corruption in the 19th century was its accessibility. Corruption was so easily found that anyone could become apart of it. The possibilities of corruption were endless. If an officer wanted anything from extra money to job security is could be found and exploited. The police forces were filled with high rank members that were appointed by the main political parties at the time. Officers would follow orders given to them by the political leaders that appointed them to maintain their job security, but they saw this as they were just helping each other.
Police also worked either in small groups or alone. As long as they could keep quiet, or keep their co-workers silent there would be no way that anyone could find out about their illegal activities. With everyone being silent it also appeared that everybody would benefit. Because of the availability of corruption, it became a large part of the police business. Others involved with police that were not involved with the corruption were slowly pushed out of any positions of importance. Without legitimate workers at the top to stop illegal activity corruption could continue without anyone to stand in its way.
All of these factors show how corruption began in policing in the 19th century. The easy availability of corruption and the close working quarters of police made illegal activity become a regular part of police work.


Chapter 7
Explain social isolation and solidarity with respect to the work of police. Cite examples.

Solidarity is a common part of any workforce, you work with the same people regularly and deal with the same things they do. There is an automatic bond no matter what job you are involved in. However, people see authority and reject it because they see it as having more power than themselves. This sho...