"Ignoramus9053" wrote in message
news:3vjxe.25471$D%
I am curious though, how often, practically speaking, are bribes
given/offered here. If I offer a bribe to a low level official, or a
cop, can I go to prison for it, in reality?

Yes, there are laws against it.

Some inspectors will accept a "tip" though. In a large city where I used
to live, my step father was a contractor. He always abided by the codes,
but he always left an envelope someplace in plain view. He'd step out of
the room and the envelope would disappear.