Controlling Organized Crime

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Controlling Organized Crime Abstract How can anyone control organized crime? That is a great question to ponder that I am sure most law enforcement, correctional professions, and law abiding citizens do the same on a consistent basis. Organized crime can be defined as a crime committed by a group of individuals with a family type structure. Organized crime is also done for the sole purpose of monetary gain and environmental control. “Today, organized crime comes at us from every corner of the globe.” (FBI.gov, 2012) In this illustration the writer will discuss how to identify the problems and relationships established by organized crime, describe the limitation in fighting against organized crime, and assert this writer’s suggestions to controlling organized crime. Controlling Organized Crime Organized crime has various theories. “Various theories on organized crime have been presented over the years to help social scientists to better understand this phenomenon.” (Lyman & Potter, 2007) There are several theories of organized crime; they are alien conspiracy, rational choice, deterrence, social disorganization, organizational, and cultural defiance (Lyman & Potter, 2007). These theories focus on the individual with regards to their behavior. The alien conspiracy theory believes that outside influences determine a person’s behavior. Rational choice theory is just as it states; a person’s values will determine the decision that they make. In the deterrence theory social scientists break it down into two parts general and special. In general deterrence theory crime can be lowered by the mere threat of the punishment and in special deterrence theory states that the punishment should be severe enough that a criminal would not want to commit the same act again. Social disorganization theory states that a person environment can cause the criminal
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