The police can do many things because they have been given the power to control social affairs. Police power is most often used for its designated and good purposes, but power can also be misused. The police can induce much joy, when they help, and much fear, when they become threats to people's welfare. Power can be misused in many small or dramatic ways. The police have numerous opportunities to engage in corruption, and often have corrupt offers thrust upon them.
Abuse is the misuse of the force police are entitled to use.
Misuse ranges from minor forms of harassment and intimidation to outright and nonjustifiable killings. Corruption and abuse occur in all countries, but at varying levels. In some countries, corruption is almost institutionalized, a fringe benefit of the job, while in other countries the police are nearly incorruptible. Abuse also varies widely. Minor forms of abuse are probably endemic to the job and occur everywhere.