Because quite often they are! There are many issues wrapped up in; why this is the case, and we must also remember that corruption is rife in the Police of other countries, like the UK and US. So it is not just a Russian theme. The corruption happens at many levels, in its worst the Police are involved in some very heavy criminal activity like murder, drugs or rape. In its lightest form, it is a few rubles to avoid a traffic problem. So basically the people see what is going on, and take notice, and this is not a bad thing, because it is the people who deserve a decent police force. If the Police don't want to be seen as criminals, then they need put their house in order, such that the people, get to see and learn things have changed. This is not a bad thing, the people must see the difference for theselves, this is not a short process, it would take years, for such a change in perception, even if the Police reformed over night. Russia has an opportunity here, to clean up its act and provide minimal honest policing, for the support of the people. Then the perception would really change. With law and policing, less is really more.