Abstract
In this chapter, we examine the primary factors that affect the uncovering (discovery) and reporting of correctional corruption, in particular by officers and contractors. It will be argued that, more broadly, there is a considerable organisational, cultural and political resistance to admitting to, or searching for, instances of correctional corruption. In addition, for the same reasons, it is typically very difficult for individual officers to report suspicions or evidence of corruption within correctional settings. Establishing organisational structures, cultures and climates conducive to reporting corrupt practices requires an acknowledgement of the difficult balancing act between integrity and current understandings of prison security and safety, and the need for a more open and honest discussion about priorities. If, as we argue, Sykes was correct about the inevitable corruption of authority associated with the smooth running of a prison system, then what is prioritised as unacceptable corruption needs to be clearly established, and the costs of uncovering and reporting it fully calculated and provided for in the structures, training and resourcing needed for pursuing those priorities.
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Goldsmith, A., Halsey, M., Groves, A. (2016). Uncovering and Reporting Corruption. In: Tackling Correctional Corruption. Crime Prevention and Security Management. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49007-0_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49007-0_8
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