The Courage of Frank Serpico: Fighting Corruption in Law Enforcement

The reason I chose Serpico is because I thought this book would talk about a cop trying to do the right thing, which was to change the crooked system that allowed corruption. This non-fiction talks about the criminality that takes place in this book. For example Serpico was plainclothesmen which was patrolmen working out of uniform on special assignments like narcotics, prostitution, and gambling, so it was a lot of opportunities and temptation for graft to occur. This book proves the point that people in power always abuses it because the plainclothesmen were just out to get a profit from illegal activities that you were hired to prevent.

The topic this book expounds on is about Brooklyn born, Italian cop with long hair, scruffy beard and a taste for opera and ballet music, name Frank Serpico. He was a man that couldn’t be hushed nor brought with felonious money, so he decided to change this nefarious system called the police force, that enable the law enforcement to flourish off of bribery, graft, and comprise.

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After Serpico made this decision to try and change the fraud happening in law enforcement, he had gained a lot of enemies rather than allies due to the reputation he garnered. For example during a drug raid his fellow partner was reluctant to come to his aid, so he was shot in the face. From then on, Serpico was life was put into danger by his fellow colleagues.Police Officers were puzzled and perplexed by Serpico's decision to break an unspoken rule that prohibits officers from reporting on their fellow cops.

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Serpico challenged the code of conduct to become a detective and inspire his colleagues, despite turning a blind eye to police corruption - the abuse of power for personal gain that damages law enforcement's reputation. Weak laws and ethics can fuel corruption by giving criminals incentives to undermine authorities. Regulating victimless crimes through decriminalization could help combat police corruption. Prosecuting corrupt officers is tough due to reluctance from prosecutors who fear backlash from their backers. Despite the dangers, Serpico stayed committed to upholding integrity at any cost.

Frank Serpico demonstrated immense bravery by risking his life to combat corruption within the New York Police Department. Despite facing distrust and harassment from his fellow officers, he shared his experiences with journalists at the New York Times, prompting Mayor Lindsay to create a special investigative commission. I greatly admired Serpico's courage in the face of death threats and efforts to undermine him, including a drug raid. It took him 5 years to uncover the corruption, encountering numerous obstacles that impeded his ambition of becoming a detective. The only questionable aspect of Serpico's actions was his envy towards undercover agent William Phillip, who was also involved in exposing corruption within the Knapp Commission.

Frank Serpico is considered a hero due to his courageous and dedicated actions that helped end corruption within the New York Police department. Many officers did not possess the bravery and perseverance that Serpico showed in the face of temptation. He stood out as the first officer to resist misconduct as a plainclothesman. His actions sparked questions about why more officers did not follow his example and why corruption was allowed to flourish unchecked. Serpico's actions demonstrated the impact that one individual can have on an important issue. The book on Serpico's story serves as a reminder that one person can make a significant difference, even in the face of widespread corruption.Frank Serpico believed that the most important information was choosing justice over money, even though many would prioritize financial gain. He felt that corruption would not lead him to a detective rank, and that hard work was the only way to succeed. A quote from his book reflects his belief that an atmosphere of honesty within the police force was necessary to prevent the fear and reprisal he experienced for years. Serpico felt immense pressure to combat corruption within a flawed system, especially during his dangerous testimony at trial. The absence of executive officers at the trial was disappointing, as it hindered efforts to address the root issue of corruption. Despite these challenges, Serpico remained determined to speak out against wrongdoing.

Despite enduring numerous challenges, a person should not have to face in order to seek justice and set an example for the police force. The dismissal of police officers and the replacement of the commissioner was not enough retribution for what Serpico risked his life for. It took too long for Serpico's allegations to gain public attention, revealing the extent of corruption within the New York Police department. Throughout the five-year trial period, Serpico demonstrated perseverance and dedication to his principles. Despite facing death threats and a gunshot wound to the head, he did not succumb to corruption. Even during his recovery, questions arose about whether receiving the Medal of Honor influenced his decision to retire from the force.Serpico's hesitation about returning to duty stemmed from strong animosity towards him from the establishment.

Updated: Feb 21, 2024
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The Courage of Frank Serpico: Fighting Corruption in Law Enforcement. (2016, Feb 23). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/frank-serpico-the-man-who-challenged-corruption-essay

The Courage of Frank Serpico: Fighting Corruption in Law Enforcement essay
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