NCJ Number
102588
Date Published
1985
Length
831 pages
Annotation
This hearing of the President's Commission on Organized Crime examines organized criminal influences in the marketplace: the owning and operation of legitimate business and entire industries in some cases; its union influences; and its involvement in theft, extortion, bribery, price-fixing, and restraint of trade.
Abstract
Extensive testimony deals with organized crime infiltration and control in the Laborers International Union of North America and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Organized crime activities in small independent unions also are detailed. In addition to painting a picture of racketeering in the 1980's, the report discusses notable individual successes of law enforcement in convicting participants in these criminal activities, but suggests that the impact of such convictions is less than might be expected. The need for a fundamental reassessment of strategies used to deal with organized crime in the economy also is noted. Finally, actions that could be taken to attack organized crime's pervasive control of the construction, transportation, waterfront, and service industries are outlined. Testimony of both the victims of organized crime and some of the offenders is included. Appendixes contain prepared statements, letters, photographs, and illustrations.