Which term describes police officers engaging in illegal practices for personal gain?

The term that accurately describes police officers engaging in illegal practices for personal gain is police corruption. This concept encapsulates a broad range of unethical behaviors by law enforcement personnel, including bribery, extortion, and other forms of misconduct where officers exploit their authority for personal advantage.

Police corruption undermines the integrity of the justice system, erodes public trust in law enforcement, and can lead to significant societal harm, as it often involves a betrayal of the public trust that officers are sworn to protect. The emphasis on personal gain distinguishes corruption from other forms of misconduct, making it a critical issue within criminal justice systems.

Other terms, while related, do not precisely convey the same level of severity or specific focus on personal gain. For instance, police abuse generally refers to the misuse of power against civilians but does not inherently imply personal financial gain. Police misconduct can cover a wider range of behaviors, which may not always involve illegal actions or the element of personal benefit. Police negligence pertains to a failure to act appropriately in duty, which may not necessarily involve illegal practices or corruption.