NCJ Number
44986
Date Published
1977
Length
14 pages
Annotation
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAW REFORM AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF ORGANIZED CRIME IN AFTER-HOURS ESTABLISHMENTS, GAMBLING, PROSTITUTION, AND NARCOTICS TRADE IS EXAMINED.
Abstract
THE DISCUSSION FOCUSES ON THE EXTENT OF ORGANIZED CRIME INVOLVEMENT IN THESE AREAS, THE MANNER IN WHICH ORGANIZED CRIME DERIVES INCOME FROM ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES, THE SHORTCOMINGS OF LICENSING AND OTHER LAWS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS. ORGANIZED CRIME INVOLVEMENT IN AND INCOME FROM AFTER-HOURS ESTABLISHMENTS ARE SAID TO BE PERPETUATED BY CLOSING-HOUR AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF LICENSING LAWS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT LICENSING LAWS BE AMENDED TO ALLOW BARS TO CATER TO SPECIAL CLIENTELE AND TO SERVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES UNTIL 4 A.M. AND AFTER 6 A.M. THE NEED TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ORDINARY GAMBLING FOR PERSONAL GAIN AND GAMBLING FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES IS NOTED. IT IS POINTED OUT THAT THE FACT THAT ONE FORM OF GAMBLING IS LEGAL DOES NOT MEAN THAT ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IS DIMINISHED IN OTHER FORMS OF GAMBLING. IN ADDITION, RACKETEERING MAY CONTINUE EVEN IN LEGALIZED FORMS OF GAMBLING. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PENAL LAWS BE AMENDED TO PERMIT PROSTITUTION WITHIN CERTAIN BOUNDS AND WITHOUT ORGANIZATIONAL TIES. REVISIONS IN THE FOCUS OF DRUG LAWS ARE ALSO SUGGESTED. CORRUPTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS IS DISCUSSED AS A COMPLICATING FACTOR IN THE PROSECUTION OF THOSE INVOLVED IN ORGANIZED CRIME. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ORGANIZED CRIME LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATION SECTION WITH OFFICES IN EVERY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS URGED. A LIST OF REFERENCES IS INCLUDED.