RIDGELAND, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
WLBT first told you, Tuesday, about three Jackson Police officers arrested for taking bribes.
Monyette Jefferson, Terence Jenkins and Anthony Payne, Jr. were at the center of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Jackson Police and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The U.S. Attorney's office says this investigation is not over, and that there could be more arrests.
That brings up the question, are there more corrupt officers out there, and what makes them go bad?
WLBT talked to Ridgeland Police Chief Jimmy Houston to get some insight.
With 39 years in law enforcement, Chief Houston has seen corruption over the years, and says it makes every police department look bad.
"It gives us all a black eye there's no way you can recover from something like this," Chief Houston said. "I saw a number last night that 84 percent of the public believes Jackson is corrupt. That's not true, they're doing the right thing they belong in jail."
Chief Houston says are there are checks and balances within his department to keep corruption out.
Sergeants and lieutenants, always watching the officer's cases, but in reality police officers do spend a lot of time alone, out on patrol.
Chief Houston says they should only take the job, if they're dedicated to stopping crime.
"Were talking about $6,000 - $7,000," Chief Houston said. "You'd like to say they're not paid enough. That's not it. It's totally an abuse of authority and thank Rebecca Coleman for doing the right thing in this case."
Chief Houston says early in his career, he struggled on a cop's salary, but stuck with it, and remained honest and faithful to the public, knowing he took the oath to protect and serve.
"There isn't a police officer alive making enough money, the truth is the one thing you got is your honor, your word and for them to do this is a black eye on every police officer, that puts on the badge. Shame on them shame on all of them," Chief Houston said. "Police officers that take money, take bribes, turn their backs on criminal activity, they're criminals and belong in jail."
Chief Houston says if the public sees corruption, they should report it.
If they don't, he says, they're part of the problem.
Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.
Also on WLBT.com:
City, police department leadership react to officer arrests
Three Jackson Police officers charged with taking bribes
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
