Training Day - Police Corruption & Misconduct
“Training Day”
Police Corruption and Misconduct
L**** C****
Ogeechee Technical College
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Practicum (CRJU2090)
Neal Owens
June 8, 2014
“Training Day” – Police Corruption and Misconduct
Special units in police forces are essential to the function of any organization, however some of these special units might evolve into feeling superior to the rest of the agency. The mentality of doing it their own way sets in and more likely than not this behavior is not cohesive with the policies and procedures in place by the agency. Unfortunately, this attitude develops from not being checked, and leads to the unit feeling as though they are untouchable. When not having checks and balances is coupled with a leader who exhibits signs of misconduct, the potential for more massive amounts of corruption and misconduct are more likely as portrayed in the movie “Training Day” starring Denzel Washington as a corrupt NARC unit commander.
The most common types of police misconduct include excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrest, falsifying evidence, extortion, and other related offenses (Color 2000). Police misconduct has become more prevalent since 1970 when drugs became a major driver of corruption replacing gambling, prostitution and alcohol (Bayley 2011). Public activists groups and internal affairs units are put in place in law enforcement agencies which primarily govern police misconduct investigations by officers under the “Depravation of Right under Color of Law,” Title 18, US Code, Section 242, (Color 2000). There are important factors to focus on to help understand and prevent officer misconduct, including officer’s integrity, positive leadership, and continuing ethical boundaries long after the hiring process. However, this scrutiny should not prevent police officers from effectively doing their jobs and seeking a peace officer career.
Theories on the role of society in law enforcement,
Police Corruption and Misconduct
L**** C****
Ogeechee Technical College
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Practicum (CRJU2090)
Neal Owens
June 8, 2014
“Training Day” – Police Corruption and Misconduct
Special units in police forces are essential to the function of any organization, however some of these special units might evolve into feeling superior to the rest of the agency. The mentality of doing it their own way sets in and more likely than not this behavior is not cohesive with the policies and procedures in place by the agency. Unfortunately, this attitude develops from not being checked, and leads to the unit feeling as though they are untouchable. When not having checks and balances is coupled with a leader who exhibits signs of misconduct, the potential for more massive amounts of corruption and misconduct are more likely as portrayed in the movie “Training Day” starring Denzel Washington as a corrupt NARC unit commander.
The most common types of police misconduct include excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrest, falsifying evidence, extortion, and other related offenses (Color 2000). Police misconduct has become more prevalent since 1970 when drugs became a major driver of corruption replacing gambling, prostitution and alcohol (Bayley 2011). Public activists groups and internal affairs units are put in place in law enforcement agencies which primarily govern police misconduct investigations by officers under the “Depravation of Right under Color of Law,” Title 18, US Code, Section 242, (Color 2000). There are important factors to focus on to help understand and prevent officer misconduct, including officer’s integrity, positive leadership, and continuing ethical boundaries long after the hiring process. However, this scrutiny should not prevent police officers from effectively doing their jobs and seeking a peace officer career.
Theories on the role of society in law enforcement,
References: Bayley, D., & Perito, R. (2011). What past scandals teach about current challenges. United States Institute of Peace, 294. Retrieved June 1, 2014, from http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/SR%20294.pdf Color of law investigations. (2000). Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Color%2Bof%2BLaw%2BInvestigations-a065241456 Martin, R. (2011, February 22). Police corruption. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/may_2011/law_enforcement_professionalism