Social Learning Theory: Theoretical Insight Into Corruption

Chapter 9: Theoretical Insight into Corruption
Social Learning Theory There have been numerous attempts to understanding police corruption. With no clear explanation through theories, police corruption can be associated with previous behavior models throughout the philosophical discipline. One of the most applicable concepts is the Social Learning Theory presented by Akers. Akers’ theory is presented as a contemporary spin from the differential association theory that implies subcultures and peer groups facilitate deviant behavior through peer influence (Alpert & Dunham, 1997). Akers’ social learning theory positions itself that peer association, attitudes, reinforcements, and modeling are the predicative relationship to delinquency and

Three factors inside the differential theory consider the age of the “abnormal person”, the level of contact with the peer pressure, and the proportion of good and bad the deviant person has had in there in life. For example, a police officer who has experienced a lot of happiness, “good dealings” in life, and had a predominantly structured life will less likely conform to corruptive behaviors as an adult, or in this case, an officer. The other half of this example, according to the differential associations theory is that adults who believe they have worked for nothing, never got what they necessarily deserved, and feel that the easy come easy go is a standard part of society may have a higher tendency to be involved in corrupt activity. Now let’s compare this to another deviant style behavior. I was a smoker for most 25 years. When I started it was out of peer pressure from friends in high school. My parents did not smoke. However, since I was predominant with my deviant peer group more hours a week then perhaps my family, I took on the acceptable behaviors of my peer group. The same could be said for corruptive attitudes and the connectivity of deviant behavior and how it is controlled by peer

This theory suggests, the explanation to police transgression is to improve the psychosomatic selection of police officers so that the "rotten apples" are disqualified from the "barrel." Peripheral factors such as police sub-cultural customs, peer manipulation, and economic factors may pilot some officers to believe that antisocial or deviant behavior is the most suitable and most beneficial approach to their role as a police officer. The surroundings in which police officers work offers unlimited prospect for corruption and deception, and these environmental factors may lead to sociopathic behavior. Early intervention is critical for officers who show signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or any additional negative behavior. Periodic, ongoing psychological testing of officers, stress management training, and the existence of alternative intervention measures can assist in preventing the stresses of policing from leading to serious police misconduct (Griffin & Ruiz,