Organized Crime Control Efforts - A Critical Reassessment of the Past Decade

• NCJ Number: 80021
• Journal: Police Chief Volume: 48 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1981) Pages: 20-25
• Author(s): C L Pagano; J J Dintino; F T Martens
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche from NCJRS as NCJ-80020

Annotation

Following an analysis of the reasons for the failure of efforts in the 1970's to eradicate organized crime, this article recommends fundamental changes in the way law enforcement administrators approach such crime.

Abstract

LEAA was formed with unrealistic goals and high expectations, which ultimately undermined its credibility and led to its demise. In addition, many misconceptions existed about organized crime, as little definitive research had been done. Thus, some believed that the incarceration of 24 Italian-American families would eliminate organized crime, while others believed that repeal of certain laws would undermine the financial stability of organized crime and would bring it to an end. Definitions and perceptions of organized crime were shallow and erroneous and failed to address the substantive issues. Finally, the interventionist philosophy of many administrators prevented recognition of gradations of organized crime and set priorities among strategies for dealing with it. As a result, some enforcement efforts actually worked to strengthen organized crime by placing greater burdens on smaller independent entrepreneurs in the illicit economy. In the future, law enforcement administrators should recognize the symbiotic relationship of organized crime to the political economy of our society, instead of viewing organized crime as parasitic in nature. Administrators must also recognize that organized crime has political, social, and cultural dimensions and does not exist solely to make money. Prior to initiating an enforcement action, organized crime control administrators should be provided with a comprehensive understanding of the problem. Enforcement priorities should be clearly specified and should be consistent with those of the other components of the criminal justice system. Finally, an impact assessment should be conducted at the conclusion of any enforcement action focused toward a criminal network. In view of the reductions on government spending, reasoned dialogue must replace the symbolism and affectation which guided enforcement strategies of the 1970's. Fifteen references are provided.