History, definitions, and attributes of organized crime

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 and corruption are used by the criminal organizations to gain increased control over the society.

5. Division of labor

For better hold within the organization, division of labor is required to have increased specializations. All jobs that are needed to be done, as organized crimes should be perfect thereby higher skills are required.

6. An increased ability to adapt to changes in law enforcement

Being an organized organization, organized crime is more aware of changes in the laws from the law enforcement agencies, any changes that may occur in supply and demand of a certain product. Organized crime-based organizations are more adaptable to these changes.

7. Control on legal enterprises

Organized crimes work by investing most of their profits in legal enterprises within the societies so that increased control can be gained in these legal institutions.

8. Diverse business

In order to increase the profits, criminals involved in organized crimes make sure that the businesses are diverse having more branches so that profits can be generated on a wider scale (Abadinsky, 2009, p. 40).

How organized crime groups sought to influence government

By being a part of the government as policymakers, by influencing legal institutions and governments by giving out grants and funding, and by controlling the peace process within the country and on an international level; are three main ways used by the organized crime groups for influencing the government.

The organization of organized crime groups in the post-Prohibition era

17th January 1920 was the first day of the Prohibition Era in the U.S. when alcohol became illegal. Drinking was slowed down, but could not be stopped because alcohol makers were now developing more organized manufacturing facilities for more 'polished' versions of alcohol to increase sales with higher process. Alcohol was widely available in this era even been illegal. During the prohibition era, the organized crime was one of the main sources to gain an illegal product. No advantages of prohibition era were seen for long (Abadinsky, 2009, p. 67).

Conclusion

Organized crime has gained greater control in the society based on an increased influence on the legal as well as political institutions. The force and control of the organized crimes in the U.S. come from hierarchical manner in which the organized crimes are managed.