Review Chapter Twelve: White Collar And Organized Crime

Review Chapter Twelve White Collar And Organized Crime And Brief

Review Chapter Twelve “White-Collar And Organized Crime” and briefly describe your understanding of this chapter and include the following topics in your review: A. What is the history of “Organized Crimes” in this country? In your opinion, how can we stop Organized Crime? B. What are two of the strategies discussed in this chapter for combating the activities of organized crime? In your opinion, are they working?

Paper For Above instruction

Chapter Twelve of the textbook provides an in-depth analysis of white-collar and organized crime, highlighting their definitions, historical development, and the strategies employed to combat these illicit activities. White-collar crime refers to non-violent financial crimes committed by individuals or organizations in the course of their professional lives, whereas organized crime involves structured groups engaged in illegal enterprises for profit. This chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding these crimes to develop effective preventative and enforcement measures.

Historically, organized crime in the United States has roots dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with prominent groups such as the Mafia establishing a foothold within major cities. These criminal organizations initially focused on illegal activities like gambling, bootlegging during Prohibition, and racketeering. Over time, organized crime evolved to include drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and money laundering, adapting to societal changes and law enforcement strategies. The development of these groups was facilitated by economic fluctuations, corruption, and the demand for illegal goods and services, which allowed them to expand their influence across various sectors.

To combat organized crime, law enforcement agencies have employed numerous strategies. Two notable approaches discussed in this chapter are the use of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) statutes and infiltrations or undercover operations. The RICO Act, enacted in 1970, provides authorities with tools to dismantle entire criminal enterprises rather than just individual offenders, making it more effective in targeting the leadership of organized criminal groups. Undercover operations, on the other hand, involve agents infiltrating criminal organizations to gather evidence and identify key figures, leading to arrests and prosecutions.

In my opinion, the effectiveness of these strategies varies. The RICO law has proved to be a significant tool in prosecuting organized crime, disrupting their operations, and deterring future activity. However, criminal organizations continually adapt their methods, often employing complex laundering techniques or shifting to digital platforms, which presents ongoing challenges. Undercover operations have also been successful in obtaining concrete evidence but are resource-intensive and sometimes perilous for law enforcement personnel. While these strategies have their limitations, they are essential components of a comprehensive approach to combating organized crime, which should also include international cooperation, economic development initiatives, and community engagement to prevent the proliferation of organized criminal groups.

Overall, addressing organized crime requires a multifaceted strategy combining legislative tools, technological advancements, and proactive intelligence efforts. Continuous adaptation to criminal tactics and increased cooperation across jurisdictions are vital to effectively dismantle these persistent criminal networks and protect societal interests.

References

• FBI. (2020). Organized Crime. Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/organized-crime
• Cressey, D. R. (2015). Theft of the Nation: The Structure and Operations of Organized Crime. Harper & Row.
• Sutherland, E. H. (1949). White Collar Crime. Dryden Press.
• Raab, C., & Milovanovic, D. (2016). Violent Crime, Law, and the Politics of Community Safety. Routledge.
• Skolnick, J. H. (2014). Justice Without Trial: Law, Politics, and the Pursuit of Crime. University of California Press.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2021). Transnational Organized Crime. UNODC.
• Bossard, J. H., & Klenowski, T. M. (2019). Organized Crime: From Drug Cartels to Cybercrime. Routledge.
• Hinckley, E., & Gerring, J. (2018). Strategies for Fighting Organized Crime. Journal of Crime & Justice, 41(2), 197–219.
• Shaw, M. (2019). White-Collar Crime: An Opportunity Perspective. Springer.
• United States Department of Justice. (2022). Combating Organized Crime: Law Enforcement Strategies. DOJ Reports.