The Police have defended their decision to accept gifts from individuals and institutions despite criticism that the practice is a potential source of corruption. The Police this week accepted 500 bags of cement from a financial institution towards the completion of a multi-purpose public information and resource centre. Other institutions have also responded with donations to an appeal issued by the police administration. But Vitus Azeem, the Executive Director of the anti-graft body, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), says the practice makes the police vulnerable to corrupt exploitation. He explained that unless the Police has done background checks, the true rationale behind the gifts offered by individuals and institutions can not be ascertained. “You don’t know the source of income of the person. If tomorrow the person is accused of any crime and you go arresting him, you find yourself in a very tight corner”, he suggested to the Police. He also stated it will be difficult to tell in all instances if the officer receiving the gift will use it for the purpose intended. Head of Public Afairs at the police headquarters, DSP Cephas Arthur, rejects the suggestion of potential corruption. He said government alone cannot satisfy the needs of all public institutions, hence the need for support.