Lecture to examine police corruption

Police corruption will be the theme of the inaugural lecture for the Midlands Society of Criminology, being held at the University of Wolverhampton later this month.

Professor Maurice Punch, of the London School of Economics and Political Science, will give a talk entitled ‘It’s not the bad apples but the rotten orchard: corruption and police organisational deviance’.

The event has been organised by the University and British Society of Criminology, and all are welcome to attend.

A leading international authority in his field, Professor Punch’s lecture is based on his book ‘Police Corruption: Deviance, Accountability And Reform In Policing’.

Professor Punch’s book argues that corruption is not one entity but covers many deviant and criminal practices in policing. It rejects the 'bad apple' metaphor and focuses on 'bad orchards'; meaning not individual, but institutional failure. Professor Punch will raise issues around why police break the law and 'who controls the controllers?’

Dr Kate Williams, Executive Secretary of the British Society of Criminology and Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Professor Punch for what should be a very interesting and thought-provoking session.”

The lecture will take place in the University’s Millennium City Building, MC001, Wednesday March 24, at 4pm. It will be followed by a wine reception.

Students from the University’s BSc (Hons) Policing degree will also be attending. The course is giving students a solid foundation for a professional career in the force and allied occupations.

For more information contact Dr Kate Williams: kate.williams@wlv.ac.uk or Professor P A J Waddington: paj.waddington@wlv.ac.uk.

More information about the book is available from Willan Publishing, www.willanpublishing.co.uk. The website states: “The book provides a fresh, accessible overview of this under-researched topic for students, academics, police and criminal justice officials and members of oversight agencies.”

Further information

For media inquiries please contact Emma Kilvert on 01902 322003.

Ref: 4934/15/03/2010/EK

Date issued:  Monday 15 March 2010