expatplayer

Police corruption is a problem in a lot of places. Is it a problem in Panama?

lee

I wouldn't call it a problem... however when a police or government person asks for "propina" it's better to swallow, show them a cute smile and give them a few bucks.

I personally don't think corruption is something that will disappear in the next couple of years... it's MUCH worse in other countries though.. especially in the Caribbean, Argentina, etc.

expatplayer

So, I assume 'propina' means bribe? Is that right?

lee

Propina means tip.

panamapal

The word means tip, but when the police say it they are usually asking for a bribe.

MRWOOHOO

Gotta love a country that you can slip a cop $5 bucks and he will smile and tell you to have a nice day. Dont be surprised if they ask for $20, give them only $5.

nuaeman

I guess it maybe good for some people but overall it cause more crime and such. Btw Propina, I have just learn a new word

MRWOOHOO

I would rather pay a "Propina" any day of the week. I feel much better dealing with a Panama police officer than dealing with the police in the USA.

nuaeman

Does some of the police in USA accept bribes? I think they would in fact charge you for attempting to bribe an officer.

MRWOOHOO

10 bucks wont do it and it depends what city you are in.

zhinghur

No, they don't. And what you think is absolutely correct .

MRWOOHOO

Most places in the US bribing an officer will get you locked up. I will say that the cities of New York, Miami, and New Orleans have a history of hiring convicted felons as police officers. I would not suggest trying it in the US.

Lalaguayaba

I wouldn't ever try to bribe a U.S. cop! Or any cop from Canada, or any part of western Europe...

Cheers.

ankuranks

corrupt cops are everywhere ,be it states,britain or any other,so there might be some in panama too,this is not a topic based on region rather it is more like varies from person to person.

Lalaguayaba

Of course there are corrupt cops everywhere, but statistically speaking, police in 1st world countries are more likely to be corrupted by druglords/gangs/crime rings, etc. that can afford huge payouts. In 1st world countries, the punishment for getting caught for accepting a bribe is far too severe to justify losing it over a single person; but the large kickbacks that protecting a crime ring by 'looking the other way' can be significant.

Cheers.

nuaeman

I guess the high pay and good living standards for police in developed countries compare to those developing ones prevents bribe for those minor cases, the pay here at my place in terms of USD is approximately $300 for a new policemen.

GordonS

Hi pay means absolutely nothing as far as whether someone is willing to be dishonest. Witness ...... Enron..... Conrad Black ...... etc, etc, etc.

Strong moral values are a rare commodity these days and even those who may start out in some career with stronger than normal moral values often deviate when surrounded by corrupt people. "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely" ....

Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely

__________________
Gordon and Randy,
Canada

nuaeman

I guess you're right as I think even if you're a millionaire you might possibly even accept a $20 bucks bribe due to human greed but I believe the reason is poor enforcement and action from the upper level which unfortunately might be corrupted as well. I wonder how long would we have to suffer this

zhinghur

I don't think corrupt cops are everywhere. Try bribing to the cops in United States, you will know.

chcatheyiv

there are crooked cops everywhere, at least the ones down there are honest about it....lol

carl

MRWOOHOO

I would still rather deal with a Panama police officer that I can bribe versus a US police officer that is "honest" anytime.

MRWOOHOO

Just because you will get busted for trying to bribe a cop $20 in the US does not mean they aren't corrupt.