I've been in third world countries where the police weren't even paid a salary, but lived of of the fines they collected from "law breakers." In addition to that, these cops had to purchase this police job from the Province or District Chief and he got a cut of every fine they collected. To protect yourselves from this, an American had to go to the Province or District Chief and purchase a "Get out of Jail Free Card," and the cops would then leave you alone. This system of "law enforcement" is known as "Bakish"(SP)in some countries.
Well when crime control meets capitalism the effects can be weird....
In Central America it is called “mordida” and it is EVERYONE, not just cops. I needed a phone, tomorrow. The phone company said six weeks. I had a friend who worked at the phone company sending drivers out. I gave her $20 and when I got to my apartment the next day there was a phone. From one end to the other, nothing moves without mordida.
“Is whatever they (presumably) did worth months/years in a prison in Brazil?”
“That question will be answered by a Brazilian court.”
That’s what I’m afraid of. Will a Brazilian court consider that their being American should result in stiffer penalties than if they were Brazilians accused of the same offense?
Will nationalism come into play?
Baksheesh - a tip to expedite public service. Sometimes it seems like it might be a good idea. But yeah, there’s a huge downside.