What is the Knapp Commission known for?

• A. Kefauver Committee
• B. Knapp Commission
• C. Wickersham Commission
• D. Pell Commission

Answer: (B)

Police corruption in a major city led to a landmark inquiry that reshaped policing. The Knapp Commission is known for investigating corruption within the New York City Police Department, revealing widespread bribery and misconduct and driving major reforms. Its report introduced the idea that some officers actively sought corruption (the “meat eaters”) while others passively tolerated it (“grass eaters”), a distinction that helped frame reforms and oversight. This focus on a city police department differentiates it from the Kefauver Committee, which looked at organized crime nationwide; the Wickersham Commission, which studied crime and law enforcement nationwide during Prohibition; and the Pell Commission, which addressed different topics. So, the Knapp Commission is the one most closely associated with police corruption in New York City.