• jeffw@lemmy.worldM
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    10
    ·
    14 days ago

    Probably a trope. Low level cops don’t just stumble on kingpins. It take a large, coordinated investigation. You can’t just pay off the arresting officer, you’d need to pay off dozens at a minimum. And someone would say something. Maybe not to their boss, but at a bar, etc.

    • kutt@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      14 days ago

      I can imagine paying them off to let you go in that moment. The arresting officer could just tell his boss I’m sorry he escaped. Or you could pay to delay the investigation.

      Then you just flee the US jurisdiction and they never get to see you again!!!

      • jeffw@lemmy.worldM
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        13 days ago

        Meanwhile everyone back at HQ is radioing and asking “did you get him? Why is there 20 minutes of silence?”

        People can think. I can’t imagine how this works when you’re being backed up by dozens of people

        • kutt@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          13 days ago

          That’s why you also buy off a high ranking dude so that no one questions the 20mins.

  • Pommes_für_dein_Balg@feddit.org
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    13 days ago

    No, they pay off entire police departments in advance, so an investigation that could lead to an arrest doesn’t get started on the first place. When an arrest actually happens, it usually involves the FBI with support from the federal government.
    At that point bribes don’t cut it anymore, you’d have to threaten or kill the DA, judge, witnesses or jury members.

  • trashcroissant@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    edit-2
    14 days ago

    If you’re asking if criminals can/do own cops, yes, it happens. Look at the current state of the US or certain areas in Mexico. I only mention these two countries because I don’t know enough about other countries to make direct statements, but I am certain it happens. But it’s not like at a low level cop, it’s more likely the actual captains or DAs or people in power. Those that have the power to let the criminals go.

    In terms of low level cops taking bribes in general, and again I only mention Mexico from experience, but it is very common. Common enough that there’s a name for it (mordida), and that they’ll threaten regular folks who have maybe minor infractions to get some cash. (acab and all)

  • I Cast Fist@programming.dev
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    13 days ago

    Not exactly as shown in movies and series, it’s usually that the kingpins buy out cops either as protection or informants, so they get a tip before actual raids happen and either GTFO or plan something different, like leaving an idiot with a small amount of drugs to keep some heat off.

    Hell, imprisoned criminals will often sway wardens with their money. It happens quite often in Brazil, with prisoners using cell phones from within their cells.