NCJ Number
97015
Editor(s)
T M Frost,
M Seng
Date Published
1984
Length
94 pages
Annotation
These nine papers are the major presentations at a March 1984 symposium focusing on the nature and extent of organized crime, particularly in the Chicago area, and on responses to organized crime at the Federal, State, and municipal levels.
Abstract
An overview of traditional and modern modes of organized crime notes that organized crime is a changing concept and that such change may obscure its operation and existence. The role of public cooperation in organized crime is examined, with emphasis on both public apathy and public support as contributing factors. A discussion of new forms of organized crime notes that the stereotypical view of it as basically an Italian-based organization hinders recognition of emerging groups like motorcycle gangs, the Israeli Mafia, and the Japanese Yazuka. Discussions of Federal efforts to combat organized crime emphasize that organized crime is not invincible. The Strike Force approach, the role of Federal legislation, the basic categories of organized crime, and the need for more organized law enforcement efforts are discussed as responses to control it. State and municipal efforts against organized crime are examined, with emphasis on the need for improved State legislation and on the need for cooperation among law enforcement agencies at different levels. Examples of Federal-municipal cooperation and the current efforts of the Chicago Police Department are presented. Diagrams are included, and a series of questions and answers from the symposium discussions are appended.