NCJ Number
101277
Date Published
1986
Length
17 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the organization of crime in Montreal (Canada) from 1920 through 1980 considers the structures of criminal opportunities and black markets, followed by a discussion of the size or complexity of the internal organization of criminal groups.
Abstract
Data were taken primarily from public hearings on organized crime -- are Montreal over the period studied. During the early 1960's, the patronage system of government ended in Montreal, undermining the corruption of public officials and the 'red light' district that marked the primary territory of criminal syndicates. Since that time, the major features of policing of organized crime have been comprehensive surveillance, intelligence acquisition, and law enforcement through regulatory sanctions. Structures of organized crime in this period have derived from criminal opportunities that require a measure of collective planning and coordination, such as the manufacturing and marketing of illicit goods. Criminal groups -- developed according to the characteristics of crime opportunities are working groups whose size is limited by the requirements of the criminal operation. Canadian criminal groups reputed to be the largest rarely exceed 20 members. 26 references.