Preventing corruption: Lessons learned from anti-corruption training for Belgian customs and excise officers

Abstract

Prevention of corruption in public institutions has become more important as a key component of a successful strategy to combat corruption. In the literature, however, there is little evidence about the effectiveness of anti-corruption training for public servants and information about how to develop appropriate training is lacking. This paper examines the lessons learned from the anti-corruption training introduced by the Belgian customs administration. The aim of this training was to sensitise the customs officers about corruption they may encounter in their work environment and the corruption vulnerabilities of their complex job. The training provided participants with a theoretical introduction to the legal framework and the social meaning of corruption, a short dilemma training, and communication training in order to enable the officers to act correctly when faced with corruptive vulnerable situations on the job. In the period 2008-10, the majority of customs officers participated in this one-day training. Based on this intensive training experience and the additional questionnaire distributed to 2,630 Belgian customs and excise officers, we present the perception customs officers have about corruption and the best way to fight it in their own organisation; the main results of the training; and some recommendations for future anti-corruption training.