Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Grass eaters are police officers who engage in low-level corruption by accepting gifts, favors, or small bribes in exchange for overlooking violations of the law. This behavior is typically characterized by a degree of toleration and passive engagement, where officers might turn a blind eye to minor offenses or let them slide in return for personal gain—such as food, drink, or other favors that are not necessarily monetary.

This contrasts with "meat eaters," who are much more aggressive in their corruption, actively seeking larger bribes and engaging in criminal activities. The behavior of grass eaters reflects a more systemic issue within police departments where minor ethical breaches become normalized, often under the pretext of maintaining community relations or informal agreements. Understanding this distinction helps to clarify the different levels of police misconduct and their implications in law enforcement culture.