Two Part Assignment Week 2 Scope And Activity Of Criminal ✓ Solved

Two Part Assignmentweek 2 Scope And Activity Of Criminal

Two-Part Assignment Week 2: Scope and Activity of Criminal Organizations. As noted in your textbook, almost one-third of all U.S. city, town, and county law enforcement agencies reported facing gang problems on the 2012 National Youth Gang Survey (Egley, Howell, & Harris, 2014). Does this number strike you as high or low? Do you think your own community has such a problem? Your answers to these questions are influenced by personal and professional experiences, popular and news media portrayals of what a gang looks like, and perceptions of the people with whom you interact.

You then inform the public of the most significant threat you have found. Even if your community appears crime-free on the surface, to what extent are criminal organizations thriving there? What about the community encourages these organizations’ activities? Your assignment will explore these dimensions using Norfolk, Virginia, as the focal community.

Paper For Above Instructions

Understanding the Scope and Activities of Criminal Organizations in Norfolk, Virginia

Criminal organizations, including gangs, play a significant role in the landscape of crime in many communities, including Norfolk, Virginia. The perception of gangs and organized crime is often influenced by media portrayals and individual experiences, which can sometimes lead to misconceptions about their activities and impacts. This paper aims to explore the scope and activities of criminal organizations in Norfolk, the prevalent myths surrounding them, and the implications these organizations have on the community.

Perception of Criminal Organizations in Norfolk

Based on various observations and reports from law enforcement, my perception is that while Norfolk may not be plagued by overt gang violence visible in some urban areas, there remains an underlying prevalence of criminal organizations that pose a significant threat. The 2012 National Youth Gang Survey pointed out that about one-third of law enforcement agencies faced gang problems; this statistic is indicative of a broader issue that needs addressing (Egley, Howell, & Harris, 2014). In my community, it is possible to overlook or underappreciate the risks posed by organized crime due to the lack of visible gang activity, which may stem from ingrained misconceptions regarding what organizations like gangs represent.

Alignment with Reality

My perception aligns moderately with reality. While I might not sense an immediate threat from the gang presence, research indicates that organized crime often operates covertly and can evolve its tactics to blend in with community activities. Local surveys and reports from public agencies depict the subtle yet impactful activities of such groups, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and even influencing local businesses (Howell & Decker, 1999). The fact that crime might not appear rampant does not equate to its absence; rather, it often indicates a more sophisticated and less visible operation range.

Myths and Misconceptions

Several myths contribute to inaccurate perceptions of criminal organizations. One prominent misconception is that gangs are primarily made up of specific ethnic or racial groups, leading to stereotyping that distorts the reality of who is involved (Coughlin & Venkatesh, 2003). Additionally, media portrayals often emphasize violence and overt criminality, overshadowing the more mundane and insidious aspects of organized crime, such as infiltration into legitimate businesses and community influence.

The Criminal Organization Threat in Norfolk

One of the most significant organizations impacting Norfolk is a local branch of an established gang known for drug trafficking and related activities. This group has shown sophistication in its operations, often leveraging community vulnerabilities such as economic instability and social disenfranchisement. Evidence of this threat includes arrest records, community reports, and statistics indicating rising drug-related offenses correlating with the presence of organized crime (Pyrooz, Decker, & Moule, 2015).

History and Evolution

This criminal organization has its roots tracing back to earlier iterations of gangs in the 1990s, seizing upon economic hardships and the drug boom to establish its foothold. Over the years, it has evolved by adapting to law enforcement strategies and utilizing technology and social platforms to expand its network and operations. Leadership often changes hands, with influential members rising and falling, but the group’s core activities remain focused on drug trafficking, extortion, and violence.

Activities of the Organization

The activities produced by this organization range widely, extending from the illegal drug trade to more subtle forms of exploitation, such as money laundering and cybercrime. Strategic planning underpins their operations, allowing them to maximize profits while minimizing law enforcement attention. The community is often unaware of these activities until they manifest in more noticeable ways, such as increases in overdose incidents or violent disputes.

Community Factors Contributing to Success

Certain factors within Norfolk contribute to the thriving of criminal organizations. Economic distress, limited job opportunities, and weak social cohesion make residents more vulnerable to recruitment by gangs (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2018). Furthermore, young people searching for identity and community often find affiliation in gangs, perpetuating a cycle of crime and violence. Additionally, the transient nature of populations in urban settings can encourage organized crime's adaptability and resilience.

Impact on the Community

The organized crime presence in Norfolk has far-reaching consequences. It undermines public safety and contributes to fear and mistrust within the community. Furthermore, the secondary effects of crime, such as increased policing and economic downturns true to gang-afflicted areas, can hinder community development and social progress. Ultimately, organized crime causes long-lasting harm, preventing a safe and prosperous community.

In conclusion, while perceptions of criminal organizations may vary, the realities often reveal a more complex and nuanced picture. Communities like Norfolk must confront these challenges directly through informed awareness and proactive policy-making that addresses the economic and social conditions that foster organized crime.

References

• Coughlin, B. C., & Venkatesh, S. A. (2003). The urban street gang after 1970. Annual Review of Sociology, 29, 41–64. doi:10.1146/annurev.soc.29.101602.130751
• Egley, A., Jr., Howell, J. C., & Harris, M. (2014). Highlights of the 2012 National Youth Gang Survey.
• Howell, J. C., & Decker, S. H. (1999). The youth gangs, drugs, and violence connection. Juvenile Justice Bulletin, 1–11.
• Pyrooz, D. C., Decker, S. H., & Moule, R. K., Jr. (2015). Criminal and routine activities in online settings: Gangs, offenders, and the Internet. Justice Quarterly, 32(3), 471–499. doi:10.1080/.2013.778326
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2018a). Module 3: Organized crime markets.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2018b). Module 4: Infiltration of organized crime in business and government.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2018c). Module 5: Conceptualizing and measuring organized crime.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2018d). Module 7: Models of organized criminal groups.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.-a). Gang news.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.-b). Gang reports.