Code of silence

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Code of Silence is when someone, usually with some sort of authority of power, but not always, witnesses or is privy to the knowledge of an illegal or heinous act, but puts comradery, or loyalty to the "unit" (which can be police, military, gangs, among other things) above informing the public, or proper authorities.

The code of silence is usually either kept because of threat of force, or danger to oneself, or being branded as a traitor or an outcast within the unit or organizaton as the experiences of the police whistleblower, Frank Serpico illustrates.

The Code of Silence was famously practiced in Massachusetts cities such as Charlestown, Southie, and Somerville.

Another well-known example is omerta (Italian: omertà, from the Latin: humilitas=humility or modesty), the Mafia code of silence.