Police integrity: the unwillingness to report misconduct

Relevant literature regarding police integrity has been analysed and reviewed to identify factors surrounding police officer’s unwillingness to report a peer’s misconduct. It is important to note that when police officers engage in unethical behaviours it can cause damage to the police organization’s image and reduce public confidence in them (Payam, 2016). In order to reduce unethical behaviours in police organizations, police officers need to be effective in reporting misconduct they witness. Therefore, this research aims to explore the factors playing a role in the effectiveness of peer reporting. The method used to complete this project was a critical appraisal. A thorough literature review of the existing research on this dilemma was conducted, and the most relevant information was chosen for review. The findings from the literature are clear with respect to police peer reporting intentions. The perceived seriousness of the acts, individual peer reporting intentions and police culture are all factors that play a role in the failure to report a peer. The present research provides a list of recommendations to deal with this dilemma.