Dangers of corruption within the State security sector

Corruption, which Transparency International defines as the “abuse of entrusted power for private gain” includes an element of subversion or illegitimate use of resources meant for a particular purpose to further another goal. It involves a benefit that should not have been obtained, as well as harm to someone who was entitled to a benefit they did not receive.

When applied to the public sector, it entails expectations and norms being flouted due to misuse of a public (often state) system for a private (individual or group) benefit, rather than public good. If repeated regularly, it leads to the degradation of a system meant to benefit the public into one that benefits certain groups to the detriment of others.