Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary

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Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary CJA 384 April 23, 2012 Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary Over the past century, organized crime has become a thriving business and has invaded cities around the world. A properly structured organization can elude law enforcement officials while bringing in millions of dollars annually. Organized crime has two prominent models of structure, bureaucratic and patron-client, and an organization’s success depends on the internal structure of the business. Patron-Client Model According to Mallory (2007), “The patrimonial/patron-client model is based on bonds that tie the organization together” (p. 41). The patron-client model has a familial structure and supports the acceptance theory when determining potential members. The participants who become members of the organization often share a similar social standing, ethnic backgrounds, and religious beliefs. This type of organization is entrenched in rituals and traditions (Mallory, 2007). Furthermore, this type of organization conducts business in such a way that if the leader should become injured or unavailable, there is a patron ready to step in and ensure the business continues to operate. Mallory (2007) states, “The patron-client model is less centralized and has less control over subordinates than the bureaucratic model (p. 41). The patron-client model demands more of an effort on behalf of law enforcement because these organizations are decentralized and have a large number of members who are not connected (Mallory, 2007). A patron-client organization is a hierarchy operation and consists of one main boss, and underboss, captains, and members. Bureaucratic Model The bureaucratic model of organized crime is based on formality, structure, rules, and protocol. The formality of procedures prevents low ranking members from making independent
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