Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary PDF

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Comparison between bureaucratic and non-client organizations. ...

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Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary CJA/325 Tom Borton April 9, 2018

In this summary I will compare distinctions between bureaucratic and non-client organizations. I will include similarities and differences between the main models of organized crime. I will also explain why the models are important for understanding organized crime. The bureaucratic / corporate model, in which efficiency is seen as the prime factor driving the establishment of large – scale operations or activities; this model adheres to the characteristics of Weber’s and Taylor’s models. When activities continue to expand, development of a bureaucratic structure becomes necessary to control the enterprise, including the creation of rules, hierarchy, specialization and means of communication. Columbian cartels and the outlaw biker groups are examples of this type of structure. [ CITATION Ste12 \l 1033 ] The patrimonial / patron – client model is based on bonds that tie the organization together. In this paradigm, the patron provides aid and protection, while the client becomes a loyal member who is respected. The emphasis is on traditions such as rituals and personal relationships. Such a model offers the advantage of continuity when the leader is incapacitated, as a patron will assume the position. The patron – client model is less centralized and features less control over subordinates that the bureaucratic model. Albini (1971) and Abadinsky (2003) characterize the American Mafia as a patron – client group whose structure is hierarchical and bureaucratic, but whose activities follow the patron – client model in that the members operate in an entrepreneurial fashion, as independent crews. The Mafias’ goal is to conduct criminal activities for profit; in contrast, while the outlaw biker gang’s goal is to promote their lifestyle, which includes criminal activity. [ CITATION Ste121 \l 1033 ] Various theories on organized crime have been presented over the years to help social scientists to better understand this phenomenon. Each theory approaches the topic of organized crime somewhat differently and offers interesting insight for consideration and study.

Representing the core of the organized crime unit, the cr8iminal group is made up of persons who utilized criminality and violence and are willing to corrupt in order to gain power and profit. The following are characteristics of the criminal group: continuity, structure, membership, criminality, violence, and power and profit.[ CITATION Mic11 \l 1033 ] Protectors include corrupt public officials, business-persons, judges, attorneys, financial advisors, and others who individually (or collectively) protect the interests of the criminal group is insulated from both criminal and civil government actions. This component of organized crime represents what both police and members of the criminal group have called the edge, referring to the advantage that organized crime has over legitimate business. Corruption, the central tool of the protectors, relies on a network of corrupt officials who protect the criminal group from the criminal justice system. [ CITATION Mic111 \l 1033 ] The criminal group and the protectors rely on heavily skilled persons known as specialized support. These persons, such as pilots, chemists, arsonists, and hijackers, provide contract services that facilitate organized crime activities. Unlike the members of the criminal group and the protectors, specialized support people do not share a commitment to the group’s goals but are still considered part of organized crime. [ CITATION Mic112 \l 1033 ] Persons (and organizations) belonging to the social support group grant power and the perception of legitimacy to organized crime in general and to specific members of the criminal group. Examples are politicians who solicit the support of organized crime figures, business leaders who do business with organized crime, social and community leaders who invite organized crime figures to social gatherings, and people who portray organized crime or its members in a favorite light. [ CITATION Mic113 \l 1033 ]

It is important that you understand these types of organized crime. Without understanding them, people are being taken advantage of every day. This crime is going unnoticed until the person committing the crime gets caught. We are meant to trust our criminal justice system, but when the betray us to gain profits for themselves, that is when it becomes a problem. Crime will never completely leave, not even in the criminal justice system, but with time, it can get better. In summary, there are many different types of organized crime in our criminal justice system. I was able to compare distinctions between bureaucratic and non-client organizations. I included the similarities and explained why the models are so important to understanding organized crime.

Works Cited Lyman, M. D. (2011). Organized Crime. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Eduction Inc. Mallory, S. L. (2012). Understanding Organized Crime. Sundbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC....