Police Deviance

Deviance in Context

Refers to the unique stress and closed social systems that characterize police work.

The Cop Code

A set of unwritten rules among police officers including loyalty to partners and the blue wall of silence.

Over-Enthusiastic Policing

Engaging in policing practices that go beyond legal limits to achieve law enforcement goals.

Dirty Harry Problem

Refers to the ethical dilemma when police officers use excessive force for good ends.

Racial Profiling

Discriminatory practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on race, such as Driving while Black (DWB).

Pretextual Stops

Traffic stops based on minor violations to justify a search for more serious crime.

Excessive Force

Use of physical coercion beyond what is necessary for police work.

1033 Program

A program allowing police to acquire military equipment, contributing to a war on crime mentality.

Mooching

Receiving gratuities, such as free meals, as a part of police work.

Graft

Exploitation of a police officer's role, typically involving bribery or kickbacks.

Professional Courtesy

Not ticketing fellow officers or providing favors which can lead to corruption.

Individual Explanations

The belief that corruption arises from individual officers being deviant or becoming deviant after hiring.

Societal Explanations

The notion that public beliefs about crime control may influence police behavior, prioritizing control over due process.

Reducing Police Corruption

Strategies to minimize corruption such as increasing pay, improving training, and establishing civilian review boards.

Qualified Immunity

A legal doctrine that protects police officers from liability unless they violated a clearly established statutory or constitutional right.