When police officers abuse power, it is not limited to the way they interact with civilians and suspects. It can also refer to corruption within the department or the use of police authority for personal gain. For instance, corruption within a law enforcement department can take the form of many seemingly nonviolent acts, such as:
Extortion
Bribery
The sale of confiscated drugs
Stealing or selling evidence
Receiving stolen goods
Stealing money that was confiscated after arrests
Police abuse of power is often difficult to prove due to its “inside” nature.