Understanding Police Integrity: A Qualitative Study on Why Officers Reject Bribery

Arun Kumar G; R Renjini; R Sivakumar; M C Janaki

Arun Kumar G Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu-INDIA. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8659-9147
R Renjini Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, (Deemed To Be University), Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu-INDIA. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9298-2675
R Sivakumar Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu-INDIA.
M C Janaki Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, (Deemed To Be University), Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu-INDIA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1750-4048

Keywords: police, integrity, bribery, corruption, ethical policing

Abstract

Police corruption, particularly in the form of bribery, has been widely studied. However, far less attention has been given to officers who consciously reject such practices. This qualitative study explores the motivations and ethical reasoning of 27 long-serving police officers, who consistently refused bribes throughout their careers. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, three core themes were identified: personal values and motivations, professional and organizational influences, and organizational culture and policy measures. Officers cited factors such as inner peace, family legacy, fear of moral compromise, and role modelling by senior leaders as crucial in resisting corruption, emphasizing their role in upholding justice. The findings reveal that ethical behaviour in policing is shaped not only by law and enforcement policies but also by deeply personal, emotional, and systemic factors. This study contributes to the discourse on police integrity by highlighting resistance to misconduct and the cultivation of ethics within challenging institutional environments.

Author Biographies

Arun Kumar G, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu-INDIA.

MGR Research fellow, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Science

R Renjini, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, (Deemed To Be University), Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu-INDIA.

Research Scholar, Department of Forensic Science

R Sivakumar, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu-INDIA.

Assistant Professor, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Science

M C Janaki, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, (Deemed To Be University), Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu-INDIA.

Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Science