One’s personal perception of organized crime is different for each student; as a criminal organization does not require any single domination, such as Irish, Mexican, Italian, or Chinese, as most would believe. This author’s perception believes all dominations share one instinct; secrecy in all their dealings with business. Many have legitimate businesses and some illegal businesses. There are covers for each illegal business and perhaps two books lead by the loyal accountant. Most of these individuals are extremely hard to apprehend as one is difficult to identify, especially when an organization is considered well organized. This becomes an unmanageable situation in many cases because task forces find it hard to analyze such actions. In other words, it is quite a challenge for law enforcement to apprehend mafia members (Lyman and Potter, 2007).
CONTENTSAbstract2.
Personal Perception of Organized Crime4.
Ranks in Organizations4.
The Soprano’s4-5.
Definitions Presented in Readings5.
Various Characteristics6.
Conclusion6-7.
References8.
Personal Perception of Organized CrimeThis author’s personal perception is first-hand of what she has experienced throughout her life. When she was four-years-old, she was kidnapped by an organization in which her father was associated. There have been times where events have occurred, however, not to discuss any further. She grew up in Long Island, New York and has been subjected to certain behavior. The readings of Lyman and Potter have only clarified what was in her infantile perception.
The Essay on Perceptions of Organized Crime Groups
... criminal organizations that wish to indulge in crime. In this paper, we will explore the various definitions, perception, characteristics of organized ... law can lead to, until it hits home. ———has personal knowledge of different biker groups and 2 Outlaw Motorcycle ... final characteristic that needed for an organize crime group to be successful. Like a business is run with a CEO, ...
Ranks in OrganizationsAn organization of people at different ranks in an administrative body is also known as a hierarchy. This entity requires various ranks of individuals who control other businesses and-or persons. These individuals tend to hold power and use versatile corruption to gain wealth. However, in organizations, such as Mafia, Cartel, and Gangs, there is a leader who has power over all other members. In addition, the belonging power uses assorted members for different levels of power throughout one’s organization (Lyman and Potter, 2007).
The Soprano’sThis author has previously watched the Soprano’s and in almost every episode, she was able to relate to such an organization, also known as the Mafia. She has resided in Texas for over 25-years, but is very much homesick for Long Island. When she viewed the Soprano’s, she remembered her childhood, which included Uncles; some actual relatives, others believed to be kinship. It may sound ridiculous (depending on who is reading this), but several of those years were wonderful years. When this author was growing up in Long Island, she had many benefits, such as cars, jewelry, clothing, luggage, trips, and at times, power because of who she knew. When watching the Soprano’s, she could not believe how realistic the events were. In fact, she was quite baffled on how the network would allow such information to be shared with the public.
Definitions Presented in ReadingsExtortion and corruption is constantly used by mafias. For example, one who goes to a legitimate business owner and insists that he pay a monthly fee, is engaging in extortion. Lyman and Potter (2007) stated, “Mafia members can insist that a restaurant subscribe to their laundry service by subjecting those who refuse to being attacked” (p. 18, para. 1).
The definition presented in readings is basically based on knowledge from studies, which far surpasses people’s opinions on these types of organizations. This author believes the reading obtain much pertinent information regards to criminal organizations and what actions these individuals perform to gain their wealth and power.
Various CharacteristicsMany characteristics in today’s mafias are based on access to financial resources where all involved basically provide services, such as prostitution (sex slavery), drug mules, extortion, and other criminal activities. Various mafia members look for power, and consequently, most attempt for the ultimate power; God Father of his mafia. One may say, Mafias are now considered a threat to all of society; including globalization because of the yet profits to be made on other’s unfortunate situations (Lyman and Potter, 2007).
The Essay on Sources of Power
Power is very important in any organization whether it’s in the public or private sector. A person’s title or position determines the level of power they have to change policies and/or organizational structures. The ability to convince others, to lead others to your own conclusion, to use logic and facts to make people believe you are right. Power is a possessive word that possesses authority ...
Common behaviors among organized crime groups have been within a global magnitude. These organizations have engaged in enterprises, which include various criminal acts. They specialize in money laundering, drug trafficking, blackmail, gambling, extortion, political corruption, and loan-sharking. It seems if these individuals are permitted to silence witnesses, murder, and blackmail; extort, etc., law enforcement will constantly have difficulty in apprehending said persons or any kind of conviction regarding their actions and-or behavior (Lyman and Potter, 2007).
ConclusionThis author’s perception of organized crime is globalization of illegal services and goods. She has come to realize organizations of such members today are involved in remunerative businesses then back in the 1930’s and 1950’s. It seems as time has passed; these criminals are more apt to engage in more serious criminal activity, such as sex slavery, drugs, home invasions, arms dealing, and various other heinous crimes (Mallory, 2007).
Unfortunately, this author believes these types of organizations will always be one step ahead of the law because of the secrecy; one can say honor or loyalty among such organizations will continue to hinder apprehension.
References
Lyman, M.D., and Potter, G.W., (2007).
Organized Crime (4th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Mallory, S.L., PhD. (2007).
Understanding Organized Crime: Criminal Justice Illuminated. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett, Inc.
