...Organized Crime Perception CJA/384 Terri Smith Before I started CJA/384- Criminal Organizations, I had a very black and white view point of organized crime. Major crime families stood out to me but mostly my interpretation came from what is shown on the television and in movies. A lot of today’s “mob family” news does not make the newspaper like it used to decades ago. I always thought this was just out of fear for reporting criminal activity of this nature or because the crime families have just done that great of a job staying below the radar. When we live in a society where such behavior is forbidden, it is not usual that we hear about the details of these lifestyles on an everyday basis. Because of this I think it is common for citizens to have an overactive imagination when it comes to the criminal life style of organized crime, there is not much more to go on that what is portrayed in the media and our imaginations. I think that my perceptions were not too unrealistic from the readings. The area that I was lacking were the ways the organize crime is controlled. To include the various types of activities which these crime families orchestrate as well as the reasons these different types of crimes are operated. I always assumed it came down to power, but a lot of it revolves around family rivalry and money. What was shocking to me was the long laundry list of activities that organized crime families are involved with. I took simple things like prostitution...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crimes CJA/384 June 17, 2013 Personal Perception of Organized Crimes There are many thoughts that may come to mind when organized crime is mentioned. The perception that I have about organized crime is that these crimes are well organized and well thought out. For many criminals, crime is the only thing that they know. Many of them make crime their life. The individuals that are involved in organized crime have goals that they want to meet and achieve. To most criminal acts are wrong, but to a person that is involved in organized crime it is a normal part of life. In this paper we will describe and define organized crime. I will also compare my perception to the definitions of weekly readings. Lastly, I will determine what characteristics I believe are associated with organized crime behavior. When I first thought about organized crime the first thing that comes to mind is the mafia or gangsters such as Godfather or the Soprano’s. These are per say well organized criminal groups that deal and gamble their way to success and commit violence in order to get what they want. However, the UNODC defines organized crime as a criminal act that threatens peace and human security, violates the rights of humans, and undermines economic, culture, social and the development of societies across the world (UNODC, 2013). Throughout the world there are many different ways to define organized crimes. It is important to understand the main key...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime CJA/384 January 22, 2014 Organized criminal groups have been around since 1920’s, these individuals, fascinated, or placed fear with members of society. We typically gain our perception of organized groups by looking at crime shows and movies. These crime shows give you a brief description of what life is like living as a mafia or a member of a mafia group. Many people try to determine what exactly an organized crime organization is. Why do they not consider that local gangs as organizations? Organized crime is a structure of plans that are placed together among the members and usually created by the crime boss or the leader. (Lyman & Potter, 2007) When I think of organized crime, I usually think mafia, John Gotti, and the movies Good Fellas, Al Capone. I think of criminal activity that could range from robbery, murder, extortion, and blackmail. This paper will describe my personal perception of organized crime. How my perception compares to the definition in the readings and what characteristics do I think is associated with organized criminal behavior. The organized crime is considered an enterprise or group of people who engages in illegal activities with the primary purpose of profit. They are individuals who are involved in drugs, fraud, racketeering, robbery, armed assaults, gambling, and murder. These individuals are considered an intelligent group because they carefully plan and carry out their criminal behaviors. They...
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...Personal Perception Of Organized Crime Paper Joseph T. Merritt CJA384 November 7, 2011 Theresa Cruz Personal Perception of Organized Crime Paper Before taking this class I had always thought of organized crime as a group of people who used violence and crime to get what they wanted or to not get in trouble when they commit crimes. I honestly thought that all organized crime groups were like the Sopranos or one of the movies I have seen on television. I also thought that the United States is where all the organized crime was and I was surprised to find that there are more crime groups all over the world. I learned from the reading that there were many different definitions for organized crime and I found that I was not so far off with my own definition. According to the reading (2005) the American law enforcement agencies have been slow to even respond to the insightful changes that have come about with organized crime that has been brought about by globalization. The European agencies have drastically changed their views of organized crime and the structure of it. The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) in the United Kingdom describe organized crime in four ways. These four ways include that the organized crime group will usually contain at least three people, the criminal activity within the group is usually ongoing and indistinct in length, the group will be motivated by the desire for revenue or even power, and the group will commit very serious...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Natasha Reed CJA/321 July 18, 2016 Edward Rafailovitc 2 Personal Perception of Organized Crime I would describe organized crime as a group of people coming together to organize a crime such as drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, chop shops, identity theft, etc. They do this for money, power, and respect. When people hear organized crime they automatically think drugs, and the Italian Mafia, and New York City; the reason being is because this is how all movies, books, and music entertainers all ways portrayed organized crime as. Organized crime is a threat against all of society, and violates human rights. Most organized crime groups set up shop in the inner cities, and a lot of times recruit people who are less fortunate to work for them. Organized crime groups can also be gangs, any group of people who set up a plan, rather it’s to rob a bank, carjacking, set up a sex ring, etc. it’s considered organized crime. Violence is a big part of organized crime groups. This is because different groups compete against each other, and if they feel that the competition is taking money from them, or in their territory they are coming to kill, which in many cases innocent people are caught in the cross fire. Some government officials, politicians, and police officers play a role in organized crime, because they get paid to turn the other cheek to what is going...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Sergio L. Robles University of Phoenix Personal Perception of Organized Crime Many thoughts come to mind when the “organized crime” are mentioned. The perception that I have on organized crime is of those types of crimes that are well planned out. The term “organized” gives the crime a since of purpose, criminals organized themselves to carry out their plans. For a criminal, crime is a way of living. The individuals that are involved in the organized crime have goals that they must meet to achieve goals. Even though crime is seen as a wrong thing to do, for the individuals within the organized crime it is normal. Throughout the world there are many different ways to define organized crime. Because there are many definitions, it is important to understand the main key points that identify organized crime. According to Howard Abadinsky, the main attributes with organized crime: “1. has no political goals 2. Is hierarchical 3. Has a limited or exclusive membership 4. Constitutes a unique subculture 5. Perpetuates itself 6. Exhibits a willingness to use illegal violence 7. Is monopolistic 8. Is governed by explicit rules and regulations” (Von Lampe, 2010). Organized crime in the United States, the same standard of definition is used both by state and federal government agencies. The FBI considers organized crime structured as fearful, corrupted, and violent. Some example of organized crime according...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime This document will speak of explaining Dena’s individual understanding of organized crime on enrollment in this class. In fact, this document will speak of any theories on Dena’s understanding. In addition, this document will speak of how would Dena explain organized crime, how Dena’s understanding relates to the meaning in the class readings, and speak of the distinctions Dena believes are connected with organized crime. Organized Crime Organized crime operates through several forms of bribes and threats to fabricate unique restraint over particular benefits that finally result as controlled by one party. The one party supplies the chance to set expensive values and proceeds. Organized crime succeeds with security tampering and legal punishment. Moreover, organized crime uses threat maneurving forces with its decisions, and brought off individuals frighten, and kill people who refuse to comply with the crime bosses (Bennett &Hess, 2001). Organized crime does not continue in every neighborhood. Although organized crime functions mainly in large areas, the smaller organizations function, in the smaller areas of the communities. People in neighborhoods are nor secluded from organized crime, but the community is affected by sky rocketing prices on gas, food, and other essentials needed and are taken over by unseen individuals. In fact, people in neighborhoods are unaware he or she is accepting organized crime from purchasing the...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime CJA/384 February 24, 2014 Abstract Organized crime does not have a specific race or ethnic background that it is associated with. Organized crime may be committed by two or more people that are embezzling money, or it may be committed by one low level criminal that is committing illegal acts on the streets of America. There are numerous characteristics that are associated with organized crime, such as, embezzlement, racketeering, money laundering, and violence. One thing that each person who commits organized crime has in common is that it is done for the same reasons, which is to gain money illegally and power over another person. Law enforcement officials do everything in their power to stop this illegal activity, but it is also citizen’s duty to report it to officials. Each member of society should familiarize him or herself with the true definition of organized crime, because otherwise one may find themselves a victim of this horrendous and deceitful act. Everyone has a personal opinion on what organized crime is, who commits it, and what it consists of. Most...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Jane Doe CJA 384 John Doe Personal Perception of Organized Crime Organized crime is common is society today. There are many types of organized crime. The people who participate in organized crime are from all types of backgrounds and make various excuses for what he or she does. Organized crime is a part of life for some individuals. I would describe organized crime as groups of people taking the time to commit criminal activity without being caught by law enforcement officers. I have in the past thought about the mafia or drug cartels concerning organized crime. I had never given much thought to gangs being a part of organized crime. Many organized crime groups have law enforcement and politicians on their payroll, which disturbs me. The very people whose job is to protect society will deceive people to make illegal money. The politicians that society elects are no better than the corrupt police officers when he or she takes payoffs from organized crime group. Television programs have made me think about organized crime groups as only large groups that make big money. The neighborhood gang is an organized crime group that disrupts the neighborhood and has no respect for members of the community. Movies like American Gangster made me more interested in learning about organized crime groups. I have never understood how someone believes that he or she is above the law. I understand that the help to gain power and wealth comes from...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime “The FBI defines organized crime as ‘any group having some manner of a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities’” (Lyman, 2011). The IRS says that “organized crime refers to those self-perpetuating, structured, and disciplined associations of individuals, or groups, combined together for the purpose of obtaining monetary or commercial gains or profits, wholly or in part by illegal means, while protecting their activities through a pattern of graft and corruption’ (Internal Revenue Service, 2010)” (Lyman, 2011). Another definition of organized crime is from the Omnibus Safe Street Control Act from 1968 which states that “’organized crime means the unlawful activities of the members of a highly organized, disciplined association engaged in supplying illegal goods and services, including but not limited to gambling, prostitution, loan sharking, narcotics, labor racketeering, and other unlawful activities of members of such organizations’ (FBI 2010)” (Lyman, 2011). My personal definition for organized crime would be a group with a common interest in crime and profits. They all have a common goal of doing whatever it takes to make money like selling drugs, gambling, prostitution, murders, and many other illegal activities. I think organized crime is extremely dangerous because of how far these criminals will go to get their way. I feel like the definitions in our book justified how...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Personal Perception of Organized Crime In describing my personal perception of organized crime upon entering this course, I will identify assumptions on which my perception is based, and answer the following questions: How would I describe or define organized crime? How does my perception compare to the definitions in the readings? And what characteristics do I think are associated with organized criminal behavior? I have had a very close working knowledge of organized criminal elements in my former job as a law enforcement officer. There are some elements of these organizations that I lost touch with not doing that job anymore but I was always aware of the fact that there is little to no political mileage being sought by these individuals who are more about making money than anything else. Without looking at textbook definition I would look at both words. Organized in my own word would be seen as a structured way of doing something while crime in my own word is that act that violates a particular law or several laws. It therefore means that in my own words, Organized Crime would be seen as a structured criminal activity. According to (Lyman & Potter p3 2007), “Organized crime is composed of numerous ethnic and transnational groups operating together or apart and in conjunction with legitimate businesses and political entities”. Giving a lay man definition of that quote from the text, organized crime simply put would be a...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Cherrie King CJA/384 February 7, 2013 Sgt. Steven Schneider Personal Perception of Organized Crime Organized Crime has different meanings to different people, some people may think that it means a well thought out crime, and some people may think it means an organization that commits a crime. Everyone has their own opinion on what organized crime means. Some people may think it means a step by step crime. How would you describe or define organized crime This researcher thought organized crime was a well thought out crime, but it turns out there is no right or wrong answer to what organized crime means. There are so many different definitions; organized crime can be a crime like gambling. A good definition for Organized crime is a group of three or more people of a formalized structure and the main object is to obtain money through an illegal activities. According to Lyman and Potter (2007), the United Nations (U.N) found within sixteen countries, there are many different meaning to organized crime, so the United Nations came up with five main types of organized crime. Standard Hierarchy Standard Hierarchy is a single organized crime group that is usually led by a single powerful person. Regional Hierarchy Regional Hierarchy is a tightly controlled group with strong systems of internal discipline and clearly defined roles and lines of authority. Clustered Hierarchy A Clustered Hierarchy is an organized crime group that...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Paper Jowanna Lovitt November 2, 2015 CJS/325 Sherryl Roten-West Personal Perception of Organized Crime Paper Organized crime have always been huge all around the world. The lifestyle of being in an organized crime group have become popular and trendy. It is like everyone wants to be a part of it because it brings wealth and prestige to those who do it rather well. They see organized crime groups as being important and it is presented all throughout social media, television shows, movies, and books. People young and old think that living like this is cute. It Is far from cute, it is downright disgusting. In this paper I will Define organized crime and describe my own personal perception of what I think organized crime is. I will also compare my perception to the actual definition and describe what characteristics that are associated with organized criminal behavior. The FBI defines organized crime as any group having some manner of a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2015) Such groups maintain their position through the use of actual or threatened violence, corrupt public officials, graft, or extortion, and generally have a significant impact on the people in their locales, region, or the country as a whole. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2015).The five biggest organized crime groups ranked by revenue are Solntsevskaya Bratva with...
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...Organized crime, today, is huge in the United States. The media depicts organized crime by showing a family of the Italian decent controlling either the neighborhood or the city. Shows like the Sopranos, is a good example of a family base organized crime. This paper will discuss how I would describe or define organized crime, how does the perception compare to the definitions in the readings, and the characteristics that are associated with organized criminal behavior. When I think of organized crime, the definition that pops into my head is that it is a group a people, either one ethnic group or different races, that runs or controls the neighborhood or probably the city. They either sell drugs and other goods and they also kill anyone that mess with them or their family or a person that owes them money. The definition that the book describe or define organized crime is the dominated by (but is not exclusively) a single, monolithic criminal organization made up of criminals of Italian descent—the Mafia. (Lyman, 2007) In 2005, the NCIS describe organized crime as a group that contains at least three people; criminal activity the group engages in is ongoing and indefinite in duration; group is motivated by a desire for profit or power; and the group commits serious criminal offenses. (Lyman, 2007) There are two structures that can be look at when defining the organize crime of its activity and structures. The first thing is that organized crime is now going global. With technology...
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...Eyewitness Evidence Executive Summary Learning Team A CJA/364 February 17, 2015 Jeff Walters University of Phoenix Eyewitness Evidence Executive Summary Law enforcement officials have many resources and techniques to help apprehend suspects. The help of an eyewitness is one of the most beneficial resources they can receive. One way an eyewitness can help identify a suspect is by being involved in a police lineup. Another way an eyewitness can help capture a suspect is by getting involved in a composite image. The suspect lineup allows the witness a chance to help the police find the suspect in a crime. It is important for the police to maintain a good status when doing an eyewitness lineup because there have been many people falsely accused trough these lineups. The police believe with the witness present at the crime, he or she saw everything that happened and could possibly identify the suspect (Huff, 2002). The lineup consists of individuals that line up in a row that preferably look the same in gender, facial hair, ethnicity, age, and height (“Dallas Police Department”, n.d.). The witness should meditate back on the incident, and the officer must remind the eyewitness that the suspect may not be present. The police prefer the observer to use his or her memory when selecting from the police lineup, and during the lineup, the police should not coerce the witness in any form. The witness is assured by police of his or her security...
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