Knapp Commission Scandal
The Knapp Commission, established in 1970 by New York City Mayer John V.
Lindsey (Dempsey Forst, 2016). The Commission was set up by a committee of five
members, to investigate allegations of police corruption in New York City( Dempsey
Forst,2016). After becoming concerned with the corruption of other officers, two
New York CityOfficers, Frank Serpicoand David Durk supplied information to a New
York City reporter, David Burnham (Knapp Commission, n.d.). Burnham wrote a
series of articles that appeared in the New York Times. These reports prompted the
establishment of the Knapp Commission.
Accounts of corruption were mainly prostitution, gambling, and narcotics ( Knapp
Commission, n.d.). It was determined that there two types of corruption, the grass
eaters, and man eaters( Dempsey Forst, 2016). The grass eaters were officers that
are that do not search for opportunities, however, do not turn down activities or
events that come their way. Officers taking advantage of free meals, movie tickets,
coffee, donuts, or free hotel rooms, do not see this as corruption. It is seen as
appreciation for a job well done. Officers who take advantage of more criminal
activities are called man eaters( Dempsey Forst, 2016). These activities include
gambling, narcotics, prostitution, construction, bars, Sabbath law, and ... Show more
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It at times has been taken advantage of, when the officer s started using this for
after work hours and taking home food for their families. These actions were clearly
unethical behavior. While establishments are attempting to show respect and
generosity to officer s, some may become offended when the offer is not accepted.
It would be a catch 22 , due to the fact they are offering this as generosity, and in the
event of needing a favor, would not mind calling this to the officer s attention and
hold the free items against