on the pad

1. slanglaw enforcementTaking regular bribes.

   But I swear to you, Dave, I never got any free action because of my badge, and I never went on the pad.

   2011, James Lee Burke, A Dave Robicheaux Ebook Boxed Set

   2 more examples

   The badge showed that he was on the inspector's pad and the telephone numbers suggested that he had connections.

   1978, Burgess Laughlin, Job Opportunities in the Black Market, page 5

   New York City police officers "on the pad" were found to receive up to $850 a month to protect a single dealer.

   2002, Samuel Walker, Charles M. Katz, The Police in America: An Introduction, page 325

alternative upon the pad

1. archaicslangPracticing highway robbery; robbing travelers on the public roads.

   I go on the pad.

   1788, John O'Keeffe, The Prisoner at Large

   2 more examples

   . I crown thy nab with a gage of bene-bowse, And stall thee by the salmon into the clowes; To maund on the pad, and strike all the cheats,

   1622, John Fletcher, Beggar's Bush

   As for why I went on the pad, 'tis simple: I was poor as a church mouse.

   1986, Maggie Mackeever, Lady Sherry and the Highwayman, page 218