NCJ Number
208437
Journal
Global Crime Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 8-18
Date Published
February 2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the nature of organized crime in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Abstract
Fictional images of organized crime and organized crime figures have infiltrated the popular media and have been difficult to overcome. Even within the research literature there is contention and confusion regarding definitions of organized crime. There is, however, consensus in the literature that organized crime is a “continuing enterprise that rationally works to make a profit through illicit activities” and that it continues to exist through the use of force and through the corruption of public officials. Organized crime is described either as a function of its activities or by the groups that are involved. In North America (Canada, the United States, and Mexico), organized crime has been dominated by a variety of groups that exploit a variety of criminal opportunities. In the United States during the past 20 years, despite the focus of the popular media, Italian-American crime groups have declined in influence while other forms of organized criminal groups have emerged, particularly groups from the former USSR. In Canada, organized crime groups fall into four main categories: Asian groups, East European groups, Italian groups, and outlaw motorcycle gangs. In Mexico, the major organized crime groups are comprised of Mexican nationals living in Mexico, Mexican immigrants living in the United States, and Mexican-Americans who are primarily involved in the illicit drug trade. The long-term future of organized crime in North America will rely heavily on the ability of officials to disrupt the demand for its goods and services. Tables, notes, references