Explaining Corruption among Mexican Police Officers through Social Learning Theory

• In Event: Criminological Theory

Abstract

This study examines the causes of corruption among Mexican police officers through the lens of Social Learning Theory. Researchers and policymakers have suggested that low salaries are among the causes of corruption in the Mexican police, however, no empirical based research has informed this issue. Ordinary Least Squares multivariate regression analysis was used to determine whether the social learning concepts of differential reinforcement and definitions help to explain the variations in levels of corruption among 107 police officers from the State of Puebla, Mexico. Data obtained from self-administered questionnaires showed that positive definitions towards corruption and the absence of negative consequences for deviant behavior are significant predictors of police corruption. These findings contribute to the existing literature as it validates social learning theory’s concepts in a developing country with high levels of police corruption. This paper intends to encourage government officials to address criminological problems thorough science-based methods and assist them identify the factors that promote corruption in the police.

Author

• Leon Sergio Garduno, Florida State University