NCJ Number
70149
Date Published
1980
Length
155 pages
Annotation
Information was collected and analyzed which reflected the existence and extent of organized criminal activities in all 50 States of America and in 14 other nations.
Abstract
Like totalitarianism, organized crime has distorted the political, economical, and governmental scene of the 20th century, and it promises to continue to do so unless a full-scale revelation of organized crime's illegal activities is made public. Data sources include a variety of literature pertaining to organized crime; personal, structured interviews with criminal justice officials and members of organized crime; and 380 responses to questionnaires regarding the extent of organized criminal activities in the respondents' local areas, respondents' perceptions of such activities, and suggestions for combatting them. Individual chapters focus on forms of organized crime, its national scope, its increasing trend at the international level, and conclusions and recommendations. Suggestions for combatting organized crime include the formulation of a working definition in each State through appropriate legislation and the fostering of citizen involvement in organized crime control through massive public education campaigns. Investigative newspaper reporting of organized criminal activities should be encouraged and a permanent organized crime strike force established in each State. Each State should also adopt anti-racketeering statutes based on the Federal Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations statute. Data is presented in tabular form. Footnotes and an extensive bibliography arranged alphabetically by types of source are included.