Undercover sting operations have become a common law enforcement tool in battling corruption that for decades has plagued restaurants and the construction industry.

"History has taught us that the Police Department cannot battle corruption by itself," Peter F. Vallone, the Council Speaker, said.

Picture Woody Allen as a computer hacker battling corporate and government corruption and you get the idea.

As senator and government official, he promoted land reform and battled corruption.

Within the parks bureaucracy, they said, some officials are battling corruption and political influence.

Further, low pay and lack of resources have hindered efforts at improving police performance, battling corruption and professionalizing the forces.

Opening up government is essential to battling corruption, but civil service reform is also important.

Its contents reiterated party lines about developing the economy, battling corruption and improving links with common people.

He was very active in Seattle city politics, battling corruption (especially in the person of Seattle mayor Hiram Gill) and encouraging social services.

As Ombudsman, his efforts in battling graft and corruption earned him local and international recognition.