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Models of Organized Crime

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For many years, organized crime has become a successful business in many cities around the world. There are two models to describe the structure of organized crime groups. The two models are bureaucratic/corporate model and the patrimonial/patron-client model (Mallory, 2007).
The Bureaucratic Model
The bureaucratic model of organized crimes is based on formality, structure, rules and protocol. The bureaucratic organization prevents the members with low ranks from making decisions on their own. They must abide by the rules and regulations and receive permission from the main leader (the “boss”). According to Mallory (2007), “the Colombian cartels and the outlaw biker groups (such as the Hell’s Angels) are examples of the bureaucratic/corporate model” (page, 41).
Patron-Client Model
The patrimonial/patron-client model is “based on bonds that tie the organization together” (Mallory, 2007, pg. 41). This model consists of a big boss, who is at the center of the family (organized group). The big boss is assisted by the underboss and a counselor. The next in order is the captains who are also known as his clients. After that, there are the low-ranking members who are formally initiated in the family (Lyman & Potter, 2007). In this organization, if the boss is ever unavailable or injured, a patron is always available to step in and make sure that the business continues to operate successfully. Because the patron-client model is “decentralized, it has less control over is subordinates than the bureaucratic model” (Mallory, 2007, p. 41).

Similarities
Both bureaucratic and patron-client organizations share some similarities. The main goal of both models is to gain profit. They both engage in criminal activity and require loyalty from its members (Lyman & Potter, 2007).
Differences
According to Mallory (2007), “the patron-client model requires a more complex law enforcement effort because of its decentralized activities and large number of social networks whose members are not connected to each other” (page, 41). The bureaucratic model is operated as a business, it has strict rules and regulations and it has administrative members.
Conclusion
Both models are important when making an attempt to understand organized crime. It is important to understand how organized crime groups function and how much work it takes to run a business successfully. Law enforcement officers must also understand the structure of organized crime before they can combat it.

References
Lyman, M. D., & Potter, G. W. (2007). Organized crime (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Mallory, S. L. (2007). Understanding organized crime. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

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