PERCEIVED INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF CORRUPTION IN THE NIGERIA POLICE

A STUDY OF ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND

Abstract

Historically, the police are seen as one of the most important, and protective law enforcement organizations in modern societies. However, such positive perception of the police may not necessarily be universal. Particularly, in developing countries like Nigeria which still rank very high on the global corruption index. Corruption in Nigeria is pervasive and deep rooted. More worrisome is when uniformed policemen who ordinarily represent the face of law enforcement are seen in broad day light engaging in corrupt acts. Given the magnitude of the problem, this study carried out an empirical investigation of perceived institutionalization of corruption in the Nigeria Police, from the viewpoint of police officers. To achieve this, a cross-sectional research design was adopted. Total sampling method was used to draw 241 participants. The assumptions of the routine activity theory were adopted as framework for the study. Findings show that factors influencing police corruption include poor welfare package and remuneration, poor recruitment policies, and operational facilities. Recommendations include that the Government and stakeholders should make concerted effort to address the problems which encourage police corruption.