The rotten apple theory posits that misconduct is caused by a few bad individuals rather than organizational culture. Which option reflects this idea?

• A. Rotten apple theory
• B. Knapp Commission
• C. Mollen Commission
• D. Bike patrol

Answer: (A)

This item tests whether you recognize the idea that misconduct is tied to a few bad individuals rather than to the overall organizational culture. The term that directly captures this view is the rotten apple theory—the notion that a small number of corrupt officers spoil the bunch, while the department’s culture remains largely sound.

This is the best choice because it namingly matches the concept described: misconduct arising from individual pathology rather than systemic flaws. The Knapp Commission and the Mollen Commission are famous investigations into police corruption that highlight broader, systemic issues within departments, not the idea that only a few individuals are responsible. Bike patrol, meanwhile, is a policing method and not a theory about the causes of misconduct.