Corruption is one of the major challenges that confront South Africa. The public in South Africa are increasingly intolerant of corruption and the abuse of power by those in positions of leadership and are more willing to hold them to account. Law enforcement institutions are entrusted with a diverse set of tasks requiring a high degree of integrity within police agencies and their oversight. Where this does not function well, law enforcement officers may become vulnerable to acting unlawfully and outside their remit. "Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. It undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life, and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish"(Annan, 2004). This study aims to identify key issues in police integrity and corruption, with a specific emphasis on the causes of corruption and the efficacy of different prevention strategies. Other issues of relevance include the links between integrity (and lapses in it) and the development of corruption, and strategies for instilling o organizational values and integrity in staff. It is not an aim of this report to provide an assessment of the current extent or nature of police corruption in South Africa. Efforts to enhance police oversight and accountability must focus on three key, related priorities. Firstly, where policing has been militarized and may be undemocratic and authoritarian, efforts must be made to enhance civilian control over the police. Secondly, it is necessary to increase public confidence in the police by upgrading levels of police service delivery as well as by investigating and acting in cases of police misconduct. Finally, reducing corruption within the police is crucial.

Keywords : Corruption, public morality, public ethics, preventing corruption, police accountability.