NCJ Number
92369
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Organized crime affects all Americans daily, and dealing with it is clearly a main law enforcement responsibility of the Federal Government.
Abstract
Starting as a local enterprise, organized crime initially became a national enterprise for marketing and distributing liquor during Prohibition. Following the repeal of prohibition, organized crime became diversified through the renewal of previous involvements with gambling, prostitution, and narcotics. The syndicate also practices extortion in the film industry's labor unions and began investing in a wide variety of businesses. Law enforcement mechanisms have enabled the Federal Government to undertake more organized efforts against organized crime. However, the delay in developing this effort has permitted the syndicates to grow into a national crime confederation which has become entrenched. In addition, new forms of organized crime have emerged in recent years. Motorcycle gangs, prison gangs, and foreign-based organizations are heavily involved in the drug trade, as is traditional organized crime. The President's Commission on Organized Crimes is in an excellent position to aid the Government's law enforcement efforts. It should focus on the nature and extent of the operation of traditional organized crime, the techniques used by the new emerging groups, the relationship between organized crime groups here and abroad, and the financial aspects of international drug trafficking. The Commission's work also needs to lead to changes in the law to enable the Federal Government to deal more effectively with emerging forms of organized crime. Public knowledge and support are also crucial.