NCJ Number
213630
Date Published
2006
Length
255 pages
Annotation
This introduction to the study of organized crime addresses its structure and operations; the characteristics of persons involved in it; its impact on individuals, businesses, and countries; and the ways in which countries and the international community have attempted to contain it.
Abstract
Chapter one discusses problems in defining "organized crime" and identifying the locations of its operations. It examines various types of criminal groups and the criteria used by analysts to label some as "organized" crime groups. The chapter distinguishes between national, international, and transnational operations of organized crime, as well as its operations in the social, political, and economic domains. Chapter two examines the rise of street gangs, and it questions the extent to which they have distinctive organizational dynamics and pose a threat to public safety. Also discussed are the degree to which gangs are rationally organized and are involved in drug dealing, violence, and intimidation. The potential for gangs and their members to move into more sophisticated forms of organized crime is considered. Chapter three discusses the historical development of economic crime, comparing the activities of organized crime groups with those of legitimate business. Chapter four considers the scope of international organized crime's involvement in drug and people trafficking, followed by a chapter on traditional organized crime groups such as the Mafia, the Chinese Tongs and Triads, and the Japanese Yakuza. Chapter six explores the growth of organized crime within the United States as a case study of how organized crime groups operate in free-market capitalism. Remaining chapters address the new wave of organized crime groups; the character and dynamics of organized crime in Great Britain as a case study; and the ways in which Great Britain, Europe, America, and the international community have sought to counter organized crime. 302 references and a subject index