Free or discounted goods or services given to officers because of their position are called what?

• A. Bribes
• B. Gratuities
• C. Integrity tests
• D. Grass-eaters

Answer: (B)

Gratuities are gifts given to officers because of their position. These are gifts tied to the relationship between the public official and the giver, such as free or discounted goods or services offered because of the officer’s role. They can create a sense of obligation or the appearance of favoritism, which undermines public trust and can lead to improper influence, so many agencies restrict or prohibit accepting them.

This differs from a bribe, which is an explicit offer or payment intended to influence a specific decision or action. Integrity tests are undercover checks used to detect corruption, not gifts. The term grass-eaters describes a broader notion of officers who tolerate or overlook corruption, not the act of giving gratuities.