Author(s):
Ruth Linssen, Felix Schön & Sven Litzcke

Institution:
Fachhochschule Münster & Hochschule Hannover

Title:
Corruption: Brightening the dark field using virtual social networks

Abstract:
Polizei & Wissenschaft 4/2011, S. 2-12

Corruption is a crime that takes place largely in secret. Therefore, reliable data are missing on distribution, actual manifestation and practical consequences of corruption. A promising approach to the brightening of the dark field is the activation of non-involved people who have witnessed corruption, so called silent confidants. If it were possible to move silent confidants to communicate their knowledge of specific cases, much would be gained. With the approach presented in the following, knowledge should be gained about the dark field of corruption and made available for prevention. Core objective is to encourage silent confidants to report acts of corruption. In a research project at the Münster University of Applied Sciences, a website should be set up, over that acts of corruption can be reported anonymously and which supports communication between confidants on the internet. The scientific evaluation of the contributions obtained through this website could expand the current knowledge on functions and forms of corruption.