CONCEPT OF CRIMINAL ORGANISATION

• NCJ Number: 41718
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL 1977) Pages: 97-111
• Author(s): A K COHEN
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 15 pages
• Corporate Author: Institute for the Study and Treatment of Delinquency
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

THIS PAPER DESCRIBES THE GENERAL CHARACTER AND SCOPE OF CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION AS DISTINGUISHED FROM THE PARTICULAR FORMS OF CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION THAT HAVE BEEN THE MAIN PREOCCUPATION OF CRIMINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS.

Abstract

EMPHASIZED IS THE FACT THAT CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION INCLUDES STRUCTURES OF ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF RELATIONAL STRUCTURES. IT IS ALSO MAINTAINED THAT CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION IS NOT LIMITED TO SPECIFICALLY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY BUT INCUDES ALL SOCIETAL ACTIVITY AS IT BEARS UPON THE PRODUCTION OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. THE AUTHOR ATTEMPTS TO SHOW THAT THE FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS OF HUMAN SYSTEMS (PUBLICITY AND INFORMATION CONTROL, NEUTRALIZING LAW ENFORCEMENT, PROVISION OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES, ORDER, AND LEGITIMACY) TAKE A DISTINCTIVE FORM IN CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE AND THAT THIS DISTINCTIVENESS PROVIDES A JUSTIFICATION FOR A SPECIALIZED STUDY OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)...ELW