Organized Crime Some of the Most Important Essay

Organized Crime

Some of the most important aspects of organized crime will be taken into account in the paper. Its history, definitions and some of the main attributes of organized crime will be taken into account in the paper.

History of organized crime

At the time when J. Edgar was the director of the FBI in the 1970s, one of the main debates within the Americans was about the existence of organized crime. In these times, it was seen that American mafia was considered synonymous with organized crime. However, if the scope and nature of the organized crime are taken into account, it is seen that organized crime is insidious dynamics between those criminals who are known for using ruthless methods of crimes that include murder in order to increase profits and public who is hungry to purchase better and improved goods (Abadinsky, 2009, p. 11).

Definitions of organized crime

One of the main basis of the definitions of the organized crime includes members and many activities of the groups involved in organized crime.

1. Definitions of organized crime according to law agencies and governments

Organized crime can be defined as a set of the unlawful activities of a highly organized and a disciplined organization to make sure that illegal goods and services can be supplied in the public in a smoother manner, including activities as loansharking, and prostitution.

2. Social definitions of organized crime

Conspirational enterprise when involved in illicit activities in order to make sure that profits and income is generated (Abadinsky, 2009, p. 26).

Comparison and contrast of definitions

First definition has focused more on the kinds of activities that are adopted by the organizations that deal with crimes.The second definition has however focused on the profits that are to be generated by the organizations dealing with crimes. One of the most evident similarities in the two definitions is the fact of organizations and enterprises that are involved in crime organization (Abadinsky, 2009, p. 30).

8 Attributes of Organized Crime

There are a number of attributes of organized crimes, but this paper will take into account only eight main attributes of organized crime with examples and explanations.

1. Organized crime is a hierarchical organization

The structure of the organized crimes is more like corporations as is seen in military. Responsibilities and duties are distributed down to a chain of command, which is organized in a hierarchical manner.

2. Use of intimidation and force

The main activities of organized crime-based organizations are illegal. Without force, these activities cannot be performed. Intimidation becomes necessary when cooperative links are needed within the law enforcement agencies so that the businesses can run smoothly and there are no obstacles.

3. Provision of illegal goods and services

In an organized and a more well planned manner, the illegal goods and services are provided to the public in accordance with their demands. Some of the main examples of the illegal goods include drugs as well as illegal businesses as prostitution.

4. Need of increased immunity and control

Illegal businesses, criminal activities….....