Police corruption is a global issue, undermining justice systems and weakening the trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies. Various international organizations have developed metrics to evaluate corruption, including the Police Corruption Perceptions Index, which gauges public opinion on police corruption in different countries. Below, we will explore the ten most corrupt police forces globally, based on survey data that asked citizens, “How big of a problem is police corruption in the country where you live?” The rankings below reflect the level of corruption as perceived by the local population.
Top 10 Most Corrupt Police Forces in The World
1. Pakistan – Score: 9.81
Pakistan has one of the most notoriously corrupt police forces in the world, with an almost universal acknowledgment among its citizens regarding the pervasiveness of police corruption. According to Transparency International Pakistan, the police sector consistently ranks as the most corrupt institution in the country. Punjab Police, in particular, has gained infamy for its frequent involvement in cases of bribery, extortion, and the abuse of power.
Key issues contributing to police corruption in Pakistan include:
- Bribery: Many officers demand bribes to file First Information Reports (FIRs), the formal complaint needed to initiate investigations.
- Extortion: Officers are often involved in extortion from local businesses and civilians, under the threat of false charges or arrests.
- Abuse of Power: There are frequent reports of police brutality, unlawful arrests, and custodial deaths.
- Political Influence: Corruption is often worsened by political interference, as local politicians frequently use the police force to target political opponents or protect their interests.
Citizens’ lack of trust in the police is a reflection of decades of mismanagement, lack of accountability, and systemic corruption. Reform efforts have been proposed but remain largely ineffective.
2. Kenya – Score: 8.88
Kenya’s police force ranks second in global police corruption, with many citizens deeply concerned about the role of law enforcement in perpetuating violence, abuse, and extortion. Kenyan police are often accused of exploiting the public through bribery schemes, misuse of power, and extrajudicial killings.
Common corrupt practices in the Kenyan police force include:
- Bribery at Traffic Stops: It’s an open secret that many Kenyan police officers demand bribes from motorists for fabricated offenses or to avoid traffic violations.
- Police Brutality: Reports of police violence and extrajudicial killings have been rampant, with officers often abusing their authority without fear of repercussion.
- Delayed or Incomplete Investigations: Corruption and bribery often delay investigations or lead to the wrongful dismissal of cases unless bribes are paid.
Despite numerous efforts to reform the police service, corruption remains deeply entrenched, fueled by a lack of accountability and the failure to punish corrupt officers.
See Also: Countries with best police forces.
3. Honduras – Score: 8.32
Honduras has long struggled with high levels of police corruption, particularly within the context of its ongoing battle against organized crime and drug cartels. Corruption within the police force has made it difficult to combat crime effectively, and the lines between law enforcement and criminal organizations often become blurred.
Notable problems in Honduras include:
- Infiltration by Criminals: Police officers are frequently found colluding with drug cartels and criminal gangs, with some even acting as hired enforcers.
- Impunity: A high level of impunity protects corrupt police officers, with few facing consequences for their crimes, creating a culture of lawlessness within the force.
- Bribery and Extortion: Officers regularly extort businesses and citizens, creating an environment where people fear law enforcement as much as the criminals they are supposed to apprehend.
Though some reforms have been implemented in recent years, the overall public perception is that the police force remains deeply corrupt.
4. Paraguay – Score: 8.08
Paraguay’s police force is widely regarded as one of the most corrupt in Latin America. Corruption within the force is linked to its low wages, lack of proper training, and a deeply ingrained culture of bribery.
Key corrupt practices include:
- Bribery and Payoffs: It is not uncommon for police officers to accept bribes to ignore crimes or help facilitate illegal activities, such as smuggling and drug trafficking.
- Involvement in Organized Crime: Many officers are accused of collaborating with criminal organizations, allowing illegal activities to flourish in exchange for financial gain.
- Negligence and Incompetence: Corruption has led to widespread negligence, with officers failing to investigate crimes unless they receive bribes from the involved parties.
Efforts to professionalize the police force have been largely unsuccessful, as corruption is seen as endemic within the institution.
See also; 10 Countries With Highest Crime Rate.
5. Venezuela – Score: 8.05
Venezuela is in the grips of a profound political and economic crisis, and the country’s police force has not been immune to the resulting corruption. In fact, the deteriorating social conditions have made the police force one of the most corrupt institutions in the country.
Major issues include:
- Political Influence: The Venezuelan government has been accused of using the police to suppress political dissent, with officers often tasked with arresting opposition figures or violently quashing protests.
- Bribery and Extortion: Officers frequently demand bribes for basic services, such as processing legal documents or ensuring protection, while many engage in extortion.
- Collusion with Criminal Elements: Corrupt police officers have been found colluding with criminal gangs and participating in organized crime activities, making it difficult to restore law and order.
With the political situation worsening, reforming the police force is a distant goal, and corruption remains widespread.
6. Uganda – Score: 8.05
Uganda’s police force ranks highly in corruption, with its officers often implicated in bribery, violence, and political interference. Many Ugandans view the police as an oppressive arm of the state, particularly when it comes to quelling political opposition.
Key problems include:
- Political Repression: The Ugandan police are often used to silence opposition voices, harassing and arresting those critical of the government.
- Bribery: Officers frequently demand bribes from citizens during routine encounters, such as traffic stops or to avoid fabricated charges.
- Human Rights Violations: Police brutality is a major issue, with the force often accused of using excessive violence during protests or while arresting suspects.
The Ugandan government has faced calls for police reform, but little progress has been made to curb corruption within the force.
See also: Top 10 Most Corrupt Politicians in The World
7. Guatemala – Score: 8.00
Guatemala’s police force suffers from widespread corruption, exacerbated by the country’s struggle with organized crime and weak governance.
Key issues include:
- Collusion with Drug Cartels: Corruption within the police has allowed drug cartels to operate with impunity, as officers are frequently bribed or threatened to look the other way.
- Bribery and Extortion: Many citizens report being asked for bribes during routine police interactions, with officers using their power to intimidate and exploit civilians.
- Impunity: Corrupt officers are rarely prosecuted, leading to widespread impunity and a deepening distrust of law enforcement.
Reforming the police force in Guatemala will require tackling these entrenched issues, but progress remains slow.
8. Ukraine – Score: 7.98
Ukraine’s police force has a long history of corruption, dating back to the Soviet era. While some reforms have been made in recent years, corruption continues to plague the system.
Key corrupt practices include:
- Bribery: Officers regularly demand bribes from citizens to process complaints, file reports, or expedite legal proceedings.
- Political Interference: The police force has often been used as a political tool, with officers instructed to target opposition groups or protect the interests of those in power.
- Low Pay: The low wages earned by officers often drive them to seek bribes or engage in corrupt activities to supplement their income.
Despite international efforts to help Ukraine reform its police force, corruption remains a major obstacle.
9. Mexico – Score: 7.97
Mexico’s police force is notorious for its involvement in corruption, much of which is linked to the country’s ongoing drug war. Cartels frequently bribe or threaten officers to turn a blind eye to their activities.
Key issues include:
- Collusion with Drug Cartels: Many police officers are believed to be working in tandem with drug cartels, either through bribery or coercion.
- Bribery: Officers routinely accept bribes from citizens to avoid charges or expedite administrative processes.
- Impunity: Corrupt police officers are rarely held accountable, contributing to a culture of lawlessness within the force.
Efforts to reform Mexico’s police force have faced challenges due to the deep-seated nature of corruption within the system.
10. Tanzania – Score: 7.92
Tanzania’s police force faces significant corruption issues, with officers frequently engaging in bribery and abuse of power.
Key corrupt practices include:
- Bribery: Tanzanian police officers often demand bribes during traffic stops or routine investigations.
- Political Influence: The police are often accused of being used as an arm of the ruling government to suppress political opposition.
- Lack of Accountability: Corrupt officers are rarely punished, which has allowed a culture of corruption to flourish within the force.
Despite calls for reform, little progress has been made to address the deep-rooted corruption in Tanzania’s police force.
Conclusion
The ranking of the most corrupt police forces globally highlights the challenges faced by countries where law enforcement has become entangled in bribery, political interference, and organized crime. In many of these countries, systemic reforms are desperately needed, yet progress remains slow due to entrenched interests and widespread impunity. Addressing police corruption is essential for restoring public trust in law enforcement and ensuring justice for all citizens.