NCJ Number
207595
Journal
Trends in Organized Crime Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: Summer 2002 Pages: 73-78
Date Published
2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses how the lack of clarity in defining "organized crime" as it evolves, particularly in its transnational manifestations, can create problems and confusion for both the police and the public.
Abstract
Although the United Nations (U.N.) Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime presents a definition that is deliberately broad and not limited to the traditional focus on "mafia-like" organizations, each nation has its own legal definitions of organized crime, which complicates international collaboration, data collection, and analysis. The U.N. Convention indicates when an offense becomes transnational, and its approach to transnational organized crime recognizes the complexity of the dynamics involved. Other sections of this paper discuss the importance of including the scope and impact of organized crime in definitions, such that efforts to combat organized crime take these features into account. It notes that the scope of organized crime has expanded due to enhancements in transportation and communication, notably in air travel, the Internet, and electronic banking. Markets for organized crime groups now encompass many nations and involve many criminal methods and types of crimes. Those victimized by the activities of organized crime include individuals, businesses, communities, and institutions. The local, national, and international dimensions of organized crime are linked directly or indirectly. All these manifestations must be addressed through cooperation, resource sharing, the sharing of information and intelligence, and comprehensive evaluations of all operations. 2 notes and 1 reference