The police there are absolutely corrupt. The way the system works there is that you buy your job. This is what creates the incentive to find ways to use the system to make money. On the other hand, it also creates optimization incentives as well, so that things get done more quickly.
The harsh reality is that no system is perfect. Each one usually has its +/-'s and usually depends on which side of the fence you're sitting on.
Can I pay the police to make someone’s life miserable? The police sound more like a cartel or gang running a protection racket.
I don’t want the Vietnamese system, and while problems with the US system seem too common, I think I’d prefer the US system.