NCJ Number
68137
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, FORMS AND METHODS, RECENT CHANGES, AND THE CONTROL OF ORGANIZED CRIME ARE DISCUSSED WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE DAMAGING EFFECTS TO SOCIETY.
Abstract
SUPPORTED BY A COLORFILMSTRIP, THE AUDIOCASSETTE TRACES ORGANIZED CRIME FROM ITS ORIGINS IN THE 1920'S THROUGH THE GAMBLING, DRUG, AND LOANSHARKING ACTIVITIES OF THE 1930'S TO ITS PRESENT INVOLVEMENT WITH LABOR UNIONS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, SUPERMARKETS, AND BANKS. THE METHODS OF ORGANIZED CRIME ARE THE RUTHLESS USE OF VIOLENCE AND RELIANCE ON FEAR; THEY OFTEN INVOLVE THE DEATHS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE. IN MODERN ORGANIZED CRIME, THE LEADERS FREQUENTLY POSSESS COLLEGE DEGREES IN SUCH FIELDS AS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, AND BLACKS AND HISPANICS ARE BEGINNING TO DISPLACE ITALIANS IN THE TOP ECHELONS OF CRIME ORGANIZATIONS. MORE USE OF THE FEDERAL ORGANIZED CRIME CONTROL ACT IS URGED, AND THE NEED FOR GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS IS EMPHASIZED. THE FILMSTRIP IS PRIMARILY FOR USE IN JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS, BUT CAN ALSO BE USED WITH CIVIC GROUPS AND OTHER ADULT AUDIENCES. THE KIT INCLUDES A PRINTED DISCUSSION GUIDE FURNISHING BACKGROUND INFORMATION, SUGGESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTIVITIES, A BIBLIOGRAPHY, AND A STUDENT QUIZ.