Controlling Organized Crime
Controlling Organized Crime
CJA/384
February 7, 2012
Controlling Organized Crime
Criminal activity is an intimate part of today’s society. Criminal activity has no economical, religious, or social boundaries. Individuals commit crime out of greed, social status and lack of moral values. Over the years several researchers have offered a variety of social structured theories in an attempt to explain the relationship between crime and society. Moreover, the theories help to provide a blue print of the development of the organized crime within society. Though organized crime is difficult to combat, it is possible through an understanding of the various causal theories associated with organized crime development.
Organized crime presents a variety of problems for law enforcement, in large part due to the relationships they establish within the community. An organized crime syndicate must maintain and foster a variety of positive relationships to be successful. As with a majority of these relationships, problems can develop between members, authority figures and business associates. Organized crime has flourished because of relationships with politician and law enforcement personnel. It has been established by the Italian Mafia and South American drug cartels exploited the low wages received by law enforcement and politicians. Through continued and lucrative bribes, these groups were allowed them to solidify a foothold in the community. Once established, bribery and violence sustained their criminal enterprise (Lyman & Potter, 2007).
The Italian mafia is typically family owned and operated. This family dynamic can create unfavorable relationship between blood members and non-blood members. The potential for internal animosity between members is significant and could negatively impact the daily operations. However, strict behavior controls and consequences for violating them are enforced. This strict enforcement policy allows
CJA/384
February 7, 2012
Controlling Organized Crime
Criminal activity is an intimate part of today’s society. Criminal activity has no economical, religious, or social boundaries. Individuals commit crime out of greed, social status and lack of moral values. Over the years several researchers have offered a variety of social structured theories in an attempt to explain the relationship between crime and society. Moreover, the theories help to provide a blue print of the development of the organized crime within society. Though organized crime is difficult to combat, it is possible through an understanding of the various causal theories associated with organized crime development.
Organized crime presents a variety of problems for law enforcement, in large part due to the relationships they establish within the community. An organized crime syndicate must maintain and foster a variety of positive relationships to be successful. As with a majority of these relationships, problems can develop between members, authority figures and business associates. Organized crime has flourished because of relationships with politician and law enforcement personnel. It has been established by the Italian Mafia and South American drug cartels exploited the low wages received by law enforcement and politicians. Through continued and lucrative bribes, these groups were allowed them to solidify a foothold in the community. Once established, bribery and violence sustained their criminal enterprise (Lyman & Potter, 2007).
The Italian mafia is typically family owned and operated. This family dynamic can create unfavorable relationship between blood members and non-blood members. The potential for internal animosity between members is significant and could negatively impact the daily operations. However, strict behavior controls and consequences for violating them are enforced. This strict enforcement policy allows