Statement of Fred Asselin Investigator to the Minority Staff, January 25, 1984 (From Profile of Organized Crime - Great Lakes Region Hearings, P 287-306, 1984 - See NCJ-94574)

• NCJ Number: 94575
• Author(s): F Asselin
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 20 pages
• Corporate Author: US Congress
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-94574

Annotation

The opinions of a senate criminal investigator who examined organized crime and evaluated Federal Strike Force responses in the Great Lakes region are detailed in a prepared statement to a Senate hearing.

Abstract

Preliminary information indicated that organized criminal activities of major consequence were occurring in large urban centers and smaller communities. Drug trafficking, labor racketeering, gambling, arson, and infiltration of legitimate business were common. Cosa Nostra gangs were active but not dominant in many areas. An assessment of Justice Department investigations revealed an overemphasis on the Cosa Nostra. In addition, the Justice Department lacked standards to evaluate its Strike Force efficiency. The Strike Force Program engaged in a continuing debate over what constituted organized crime. It is recommended that the Federal Strike Force Program take a broader approach toward Federal organized crime investigations and prosecutions. This approach would represent an expansion of the current pursuit of Cosa Nostra groups. Emerging criminal groups such as bikers and prison gangs should receive increased attention.