Because of their discretionary powers, police have wide latitude to apply the law for deviant purposes. As society's primary social control institution, the police are unlikely to be perceived as engaged in a significant amount of deviance. Some citizens may never become aware that they are the targets of police deviance. Police officers are loosely and sporadically supervised, providing them with ample opportunities to engage in wrongdoing. The organizational structure of police agencies promotes deviance.
Specialization impedes supervision and accountability.
Because there are limited opportunities for career advancement in policing, some officers may be tempted to use illegitimate means to enhance their social, organizational, and economic standings. Police may engage in deviance that is internally or externally focused. Those having the greatest organizational power are most likely to engage in acts of domination. This would include sexually exploiting workers, using authority to force compliance, and selling supervisory prerogatives. Workers having little organizational power are likely to engage in acts of resistance.