NCJ Number
46218
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS DOCUMENTARY FILM EXAMINES THE PROBLEM OF WHITE-COLLAR OFFENSES, INCLUDING RETAIL, COMPUTER, INSURANCE, AND TAX CRIMES.
Abstract
RETAIL BUSINESS CRIMES ENCOMPASS BOTH EMPLOYEE THEFT AND SHOPLIFTING. THE ACTIVITIES OF A PRIVATE FIRM WHICH ADMINISTERS POLYGRAPH TESTS TO PROSPECTIVE STORE EMPLOYEES AND INVESTIGATES EMPLOYEES SUSPECTED OF STEALING ARE DETAILED. SHOPLIFTING PRECAUTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE RETAILER INCLUDE CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION, SECURITY SYSTEMS, GUARDS OR STORE DETECTIVES, AND 'BUZZER TAGS' TO BE ATTACHED TO MERCHANDISE. IN THE UPPER AND LOWER ECHELONS OF BUSINESS, BRIBES AND KICKBACKS ARE COMMONLY ACCEPTED FOR SERVICES, FAVORS, OR INFLUENCE. ANOTHER FORM OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIME IS MEDICAID FRAUD, IN WHICH DOCTORS 'PAD' BILLS TO GET EXTRA PAYMENTS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSURANCE FRAUD INVOLVE AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT, INJURIES, AND ARSON. COMPUTER CRIME THROUGH USE OF A REMOTE TERMINAL CONNECTED BY TELEPHONE TO A COMPUTER IS EXPLAINED BY A FORMER COMPUTER CRIMINAL WHO NOW DEVISES COMPUTER SECURITY SYSTEMS FOR PRIVATE INDUSTRY. PHONY STOCK SCHEMES AND EMBEZZLEMENT OF COMPANY FUNDS ARE AMONG OTHER TYPES OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINALITY EXAMINED. THE PROBLEM OF EMPLOYEE LOYALTY WHEN A SUBORDINATE SUSPECTS OR KNOWS OF ILLEGAL PRACTICES ON THE PART OF A SUPERIOR IS ALSO DISCUSSED. THE QUESTION OF ETHICS IN BUSINESS, MEDICINE, AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS RAISED; SPECIAL COURSES IN ETHICS ARE REQUIRED IN SOME FIELDS.