Question

in the 1800s, corruption was a problem for police departments in new york city and other major us cities because
most police chiefs were appointed and controlled by local politicians
salaries were so low that police officers were forced to take bribes to support their families
few police departments had police chiefs
police were paid only what they collected from citizens in taxes

Explanation:

In 19th-century US cities, police corruption stemmed from political patronage: local politicians appointed and controlled police chiefs, using police departments to advance political agendas, enable graft, and maintain political power, which was a core driver of systemic corruption. Low salaries were a contributing factor but not the primary structural cause, while the other two options are factually incorrect.

Answer:

most police chiefs were appointed and controlled by local politicians