Police exploitation involves acting on opportunities, created by virtue of one's authority, for personal gain at the expense of the public one is authorized to serve. Whether police steal, extort, or accept bribery and gratuities from citizens, officers have accepted or taken something of value from citizens, although the value of what is taken can differ significantly from case to case as can an officer's intent. The cost to the public of police theft and extortion is not just the value of the item stolen or the money extorted, it is a betrayal of the public trust. Police acceptance of a bribe involves not just the cost of the bribe itself but the social cost of the unequal application of the law based upon citizens' ability to pay off police officers. The acceptance of gratuities, even a free cup of coffee or a discounted meal, can constitute bribery if the compensated officer is disposed not to enforce the law against the person granting the gratuity. Even though a gratuity may be only a show of appreciation for a job well done, a 'tip' if you will, this demeans police professionalism and the relationship between the police and the public. 5 notes.