NCJ Number
171282
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
After reviewing American policies regarding the global dimensions of crime, this paper recommends policies designed to improve America's response to such crime.
Abstract
Crime is not a strictly local, or even national, problem; although its impact is felt at the local level, much crime is internationally conditioned and coordinated; for instance, the connection between street crime and the importation and dissemination of drugs is well established. Similarly, an increase in fraud crimes is commensurate with growth in the operational reach of commercial transactions. In addition, the impact of ethnic gang criminality on the local crime scene is readily apparent. The American system of law enforcement has been developed to deal with criminality at the city/county level and, in some cases, at the national level. With respect to global crime, however, the American system lacks readiness in terms of education, research sponsorship, interagency cooperation (between the Departments of Justice and State), and a full commitment to a centralized and coordinated international effort. Regarding policy recommendations, this paper favors the retention and further implementation of Section 32098 of the 1994 Crime Act, which deals with the development of a United Nations Convention on Organized Crime. Other policy recommendations pertain to the overseas deployment of U.S. law enforcement personnel, training, databases and strategies, interagency cooperation, and counter- terrorism. Other recommendations address the integration of global and local perspectives on crime as well as the recruitment of ethnic minorities to infiltrate ethnic gangs.