...My perception of organized crime Ravin Hipshire CJA-384 The way I would define Organized crime would be a group of people that are committing any type of crime against a community, city or state. I would think of it as a group of any ethnicity. You see Organized crime groups such as MS-13. To a lot of people they would look like just a gang of violent offenders. To me, I see them as a organized crime group. I also think that any group that is involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, violence, and torture should be considered some type of organized crime. When I did some of the reading I looked at how the organized crime world id defined. It is a little bit more elaborate than that of mine. One of the things I didn't think about until I read it was the torture part. I never realized that this is also something that should be considered. Another part of the reading that I did not know is that there was an organized crime ring ran by a African American woman in the 30's and 40's called the forty thieves. I always thought of the Italian families running organized crime and that was all I knew or even cared to know. I never thought about their being Irish, Jewish, and other countries like this involved in organized crime. I was quite shocked to read about the Irish Immigration and see that they as well as Sicilian people were so oppressed by others that they created there own group of people which started the whole Mafia business...
Words: 836 - Pages: 4
...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Personal Perception of Organized Crime In describing my personal perception of organized crime upon entering this course, I will identify assumptions on which my perception is based, and answer the following questions: How would I describe or define organized crime? How does my perception compare to the definitions in the readings? And what characteristics do I think are associated with organized criminal behavior? I have had a very close working knowledge of organized criminal elements in my former job as a law enforcement officer. There are some elements of these organizations that I lost touch with not doing that job anymore but I was always aware of the fact that there is little to no political mileage being sought by these individuals who are more about making money than anything else. Without looking at textbook definition I would look at both words. Organized in my own word would be seen as a structured way of doing something while crime in my own word is that act that violates a particular law or several laws. It therefore means that in my own words, Organized Crime would be seen as a structured criminal activity. According to (Lyman & Potter p3 2007), “Organized crime is composed of numerous ethnic and transnational groups operating together or apart and in conjunction with legitimate businesses and political entities”. Giving a lay man definition of that quote from the text, organized crime simply put would be a...
Words: 950 - Pages: 4
...Abstract This paper will discuss organized crime groups in relation to their interrelationships and their illegal dealing. It will enclose how different organized crime groups make allies and relationships with one another to help bring money and power to their organizations. The next step is to discuss the legal limitations that limit the ability of law enforcement to be able to bring criminal organizations to justice for their crimes. It will show what laws help limit the combat against organized crime and why they put legal limitations of law enforcement. This will lead to the final discussion on what would be a good solution to organized crime and how to bring them to justice legally. Controlling Organized Crime Organized crime groups in the United States date back to the 1900’s. In the 1900’s there were various groups that took form throughout the states. These groups started when immigrants came to the shore lines of the United States. Over the years threw segregation, prohibition and other factors that gave certain groups vast amounts of power, money and respect throughout their community. These groups took control over the crime in many areas they resided in and around. The organized crime groups that have had a big impact on the United States is the Irish Mafia, Italian Mafia, Klu Klux Klan, Hell’s Angels, drug cartels, Black Panthers, Yakuza, Triads, the Baker Gang, and the Mason Family. Each of this organization began to gain momentum during...
Words: 1162 - Pages: 5
...Controlling Organized Crime Lanika Alexander CJA/384 January 20, 2013 David Thomas Controlling Organized Crime The control of organized crime is an ongoing problem for law enforcement officials. Members in organized crime groups are becoming more sophisticated in the manner in which they commit crimes. Even though law enforcement officials have accumulated significant amounts of information in regards to the way in which organized crime groups are structured, the methods of operation, the history and activities of the groups there is still gaps in the information needed to combat these groups sufficiently. Laws and different legal limitations stand in the way of law enforcement officials as well in the fight against organized crime groups. The prosecution of organized crime groups will have to be evaluated to determine a more efficient route in removing these criminals from the community. To combat organized crime group’s law enforcement needs to better understand why these groups exist. Two theories are relevant to understanding the behaviors of those associated with these groups. The rational choice theory is the theory that suggests that people are free agents which possess the ability to make rational choices in almost all aspects of his or her life. Organized crime members are viewed as people who have free will and the capability to make rational choices in regard to his or her involvement in crime and wrongdoings. With this theory in mind people who...
Words: 1619 - Pages: 7
...Controlling Organized Crime * In this paper I am going to discuss identify the problems presented and the various relationships established by organized crime. Describe the legal limitations associated with combating organized crime, including a critique of major federal laws and strategies that support this effort. Suggest a realistic solution to control organized crime by discussing and evaluating the effectiveness of organized crime prosecutions. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * There are several problems surrounding organized crime. This first matter would be defining organized crime; the number one question is who and why people get involved in organized crimes, and how the organized crime can be controlled and/or stopped. Although there is a lot of support from the public through their support of many of the illegal goods, and services, and then the communities expect law enforcement to keep up and control the organized crime, but how can they when the people of the community support them by buying their goods. Some of the citizen of the United States thinks that organized crime can’t be stopped, but it should be controlled a little bit closer because it has a big impact on organized crime and are business more than what people think it does. There is a big lack of agreement around the term organized crime , this makes a lot...
Words: 1256 - Pages: 6
...Social Organized Crime Perspective One’s background, family, neighborhood, associates, and desire for money are reasons why one might become part of organized crime. Social institution will be defined and examine for its relationship to organized crime. Theories have been developed as to why there is organized crime. This paper will take a look at some of these theories and how they apply to organized crime and criminal behavior. Social Institution Social institution is a group of individuals joining or working together to obtain a common goal. These social organizations could be churches, schools, factories, and non-profit organizations. Organized crime can be looked at as a social organization due to the fact that in many instances the group uses members of the community to sell their product, furnish needed services, and be the consumer. An example of an organized crime organization that could be considered a social institution is gangs, prostitution rings, and drug rings. A social institution does not have to be a legitimate organization. Alien Conspiracy Theory One of the most common theories is the alien conspiracy theory. This theory explains the presence of organized crime is in the United States because it was brought here by immigrants (Lyman, 2007). The Sicilian and Russians are the two favorite. By placing the blame on outsiders or the influence of outsiders, people can make themselves believe that it is not their fault and organized crime...
Words: 831 - Pages: 4
...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Personal Perception of Organized Crime Since the early 1900s, one organized crime groups have been coexisting here in the United States under legitimate businesses with the intention to gain money and power from unlawful crimes, the Italian mafia. This group would be the center of attention in many movies from the early 70s to today entertainment industry. The Italian mafia goes by different names the Mob, Mafia, or La Cos Nostra, is the umbrella names of several clandestine organizations in Sicily and the United States. These groups of organized criminals would form their own organization, before coming to the Unites States because they believe that they could not trust Span’s law enforcement. So the citizens of Sicily would organize their own protection of society would eventually would evolve into the Mafia. As the years go by many more organized crime groups would appear from Russia, Mexico, and African Americans groups. In this paper I will discuss the why I feel that these groups are assumed to break the laws of our government and compare the difference of my definition to what is actually read from the book” Organized Crimes”. I would also like to discuss the characteristics that might be associated with organized criminal behavior. WHAT IS ORGANIZED CRIME? When I think of organized crime, I think of Italian mafia, Russian Mob, Mexican Mafia, biker gangs like the Outlaws and Hell’s Angels willing to get what they...
Words: 997 - Pages: 4
...Controlling Organized Crime Rob Papagno CJA/384 03 September 2013 Daniel Barry Controlling Organized Crime Some people would say that organized crime has ruined the United States and allowed petty hoods to gain worldwide recognition. Others would disagree and say organized crime is no different than any major corporation in today’s global economy. Some people would say organized crime is the best thing to happen to neighborhoods which law enforcement will not come into. No matter what side of the fence a person falls on, some part of what they believe will be correct, and part will not. During the course of this paper, the author will look at organized crime, identify the problems presented and the various relationships established by organized crime, and describe the legal limitations associated with combating organized crime, including a critique of major federal laws and strategies that support this effort. Finally, the author will suggest a realistic solution to control organized crime by discussing and evaluating the effectiveness of organized crime prosecutions. Problems with Organized Crime The problem with organized crime is that it often infringes on people’s basic rights and destroys economic structure, and political and civil development, on a global scale. Transnational organized crime rears its ugly head in many different forms, ranging from the trafficking of drugs and people to illegal arms. This is often accomplished by using unsuspecting individuals...
Words: 2487 - Pages: 10
...Social Organized Crime Perspective Elizabeth Adams CJA 384 May 20, 2013 Edward N. Rafailovitc Social Organized Crime Perspective Social institution is the theory that the surroundings matter. Where a youth comes from? What the neighborhood is like? These things matter more than the characteristics of the individual. Social organization is about the individual’s social life that leads the life of crime. Some examples are 1. High school dropout a. A high school dropout is likely to commit crime because that is what is already expected. They are told they have no future so they look to crime and problems to feel comfortable. 2. Unemployment b. This is a big thing because they are not working so they cannot provide for one or others if needed. This makes them do anything to provide a life whether it is stealing selling illegal merchandise. 3. Single parent homes c. This is not as big problem as it used to be. Use to the child would be frowned upon because their parents were not married. d. The only problem with single parents home now days is the one parent is being busy trying to be both agents that the child does not get the attention that they need or want. Social institution is also defined as a group, can be local or around the world, that live in an organization that have a one purpose of achieving certain goals. The organized crime is seen as a social institution because they are involved in criminal activity and work together...
Words: 807 - Pages: 4
...Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary By: Amanda Winter University Of Phoenix September 21, 2015 Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary There are many different models that can represent organized crime such as the patron-client organizations and the bureaucratic organizations. Each model has differences on how they are run and what the main focus is. Models When looking at the different models of Organized crime, one can see how they easy differentiate from the others. The patron-client organizations are focused on the supply and demand of social resources. The framework for this type of crime organization model is based on all parties involved to cooperate with each other. This form of crime organization model is generally beneficially to drug importers and drug dealers. The patron-client crime organization model has individuals that can wield power and can also give out favors, which can be called in at a later time. This model is not as strict as the bureaucratic crime organization model. By keeping their relations strong, they can network farther and farther out. The Bureaucratic crime organization models, which can also be named the Hierarchical Crime Organization Model, covers groups of individuals that focus more on the how’s and why’s of the “business” operations. The Bureaucratic crime organization model is quite strict on how things are to be done. When trying to understand these models, first one must again realize the differences...
Words: 402 - Pages: 2
...Global Crime Analysis Paper Jessica Cross CJA/394 October 20, 2013 Global crimes transcend national borders and threaten American citizens and communities, businesses, and institutions, as well as global security and stability. The classification of global crimes can be categorized according to if the behavior is international and constitutes a crime against the world, or if the act is transnational that affects the interests of more than one state (Global Solutions, n.d.). The contents of this essay will identify the various major global crimes and criminal issues that have a global impact on national and international justice systems and processes. In addition, the text will discuss the various international justice systems and how these global crimes and criminal issues are addressed. Fueled by open borders, global markets, and the advancement of telecommunications, international crime has become a rising universal problem. In 1995, President Clinton classified international crime as a danger to the national interest of the United States. Therefore, before and since then the federal government has been busy in a converging effort to address various major global crimes, such as human rights and war crimes, organized crime and narcotics, cybercrime, environmental crime, and terrorism (Global Solutions, n.d.). Human Rights and War Crimes are inhuman acts committed by an extensive or systematic attack aimed against individuals, such as genocide, crimes against...
Words: 1391 - Pages: 6
...Organized Crime: From My Eyes Michelle Foster CJS/325 Criminal Organizations 1/25/2016 Edward Rafailovitc Organized Crime: From My Eyes There are many misconceptions when it comes to organized crime. The mistakes often come from what we watch and see in movies and television. We do not realize that organized crime can fall into so many categories. When it comes to organized crime, a lot can come into play. Take into consideration the crimes being committed like murder, drug crimes, and transportation of illegal goods and stolen firearms, those are usually associated with organized crime. Other factors such as behavior can also play a role in organized crime. Many people have a distorted view of organized crime. We watch crime shows that portray organized crime in a few categories, like drugs and murder. My perceptions have fallen into this category. It becomes so common for us to believe what we see in television shows and movies as to it being the real thing. If you look at shows like CSI, the cases they often show deal with the mafia, and drug cartels. While those groups do play a role in those crimes, so do a large number of others. When I think about the mafia and drug cartels, my mind automatically goes to murder. However, the reality is that they are also involved in other criminal acts. There is so much involved in organized crime that we will always be learning as their crimes change. Organized crime, in my opinion, is illegal activities such as drug trafficking...
Words: 737 - Pages: 3
...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Jane Doe CJA 384 John Doe Personal Perception of Organized Crime Organized crime is common is society today. There are many types of organized crime. The people who participate in organized crime are from all types of backgrounds and make various excuses for what he or she does. Organized crime is a part of life for some individuals. I would describe organized crime as groups of people taking the time to commit criminal activity without being caught by law enforcement officers. I have in the past thought about the mafia or drug cartels concerning organized crime. I had never given much thought to gangs being a part of organized crime. Many organized crime groups have law enforcement and politicians on their payroll, which disturbs me. The very people whose job is to protect society will deceive people to make illegal money. The politicians that society elects are no better than the corrupt police officers when he or she takes payoffs from organized crime group. Television programs have made me think about organized crime groups as only large groups that make big money. The neighborhood gang is an organized crime group that disrupts the neighborhood and has no respect for members of the community. Movies like American Gangster made me more interested in learning about organized crime groups. I have never understood how someone believes that he or she is above the law. I understand that the help to gain power and wealth comes from...
Words: 721 - Pages: 3
...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Cherrie King CJA/384 February 7, 2013 Sgt. Steven Schneider Personal Perception of Organized Crime Organized Crime has different meanings to different people, some people may think that it means a well thought out crime, and some people may think it means an organization that commits a crime. Everyone has their own opinion on what organized crime means. Some people may think it means a step by step crime. How would you describe or define organized crime This researcher thought organized crime was a well thought out crime, but it turns out there is no right or wrong answer to what organized crime means. There are so many different definitions; organized crime can be a crime like gambling. A good definition for Organized crime is a group of three or more people of a formalized structure and the main object is to obtain money through an illegal activities. According to Lyman and Potter (2007), the United Nations (U.N) found within sixteen countries, there are many different meaning to organized crime, so the United Nations came up with five main types of organized crime. Standard Hierarchy Standard Hierarchy is a single organized crime group that is usually led by a single powerful person. Regional Hierarchy Regional Hierarchy is a tightly controlled group with strong systems of internal discipline and clearly defined roles and lines of authority. Clustered Hierarchy A Clustered Hierarchy is an organized crime group that involves...
Words: 726 - Pages: 3
...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Natasha Reed CJA/321 July 18, 2016 Edward Rafailovitc 2 Personal Perception of Organized Crime I would describe organized crime as a group of people coming together to organize a crime such as drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, chop shops, identity theft, etc. They do this for money, power, and respect. When people hear organized crime they automatically think drugs, and the Italian Mafia, and New York City; the reason being is because this is how all movies, books, and music entertainers all ways portrayed organized crime as. Organized crime is a threat against all of society, and violates human rights. Most organized crime groups set up shop in the inner cities, and a lot of times recruit people who are less fortunate to work for them. Organized crime groups can also be gangs, any group of people who set up a plan, rather it’s to rob a bank, carjacking, set up a sex ring, etc. it’s considered organized crime. Violence is a big part of organized crime groups. This is because different groups compete against each other, and if they feel that the competition is taking money from them, or in their territory they are coming to kill, which in many cases innocent people are caught in the cross fire. Some government officials, politicians, and police officers play a role in organized crime, because they get paid to turn the other cheek to what is going...
Words: 795 - Pages: 4