NCJ Number
79411
Date Published
1978
Length
107 pages
Annotation
This first report from California's Organized Crime Control Commission describes organized crime activities in that State and presents legislative and general recommendations to aid law enforcement officials in coping with the problem.
Abstract
Following its establishment in July 1977 by the Attorney General, the commission conducted conferences and hearings in northern and southern California. Information was collected from law enforcement officials, in other States, and confidential informants. Based on this data, this report first defines characteristics of organized crime and identifies the following types of conspiracies: syndicated organized crime, prison gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and terrorist organizations. Available evidence indicates that substantial syndicated organized crime exists in California, although authorities believe that its organizational structure is in a transitional stage. This report details killings related to organized crime which occurred in California between 1974 and 1977, convictions of organized crime figures in Los Angeles, and the shifting of personnel and funds to California by East Coast crime families. The infiltration of the California pornography industry by organized crime elements is offered as an example of this trend. Profits earned by organized crime in California are estimated. Public apathy to illegal gambling and the legitimacy provided to organized crime figures by their associations with celebrities are cited as serious impediments to law enforcement efforts. State law enforcement operations are summarized, with particular attention to the Interstate Organized Crime Index project and the State's Organized Crime and Criminal Intelligence Branch. A brief history of organized crime in California since the 1920's and the work of the previous crime commission is presented. The report proposes revised laws on electronic surveillance and witness immunity and recommends new statutes to provide for the prosecution of racketeering activities and an organized crime grand jury. Suggestions to improve law enforcement capabilities are outlined. The appendixes contain a directory of organized crime figures in California (with photographs), a discussion of the value of electronic surveillance, and a list of States with electronic surveillance use laws. Brief biographies of the commission's members and 16 references are included.