Models of Crime Organizations

Models of Organized Crime Executive

Tina Avery

CJA/384

July 30, 2012

Professor: Lynn Dorey

Models of Organized Crime Executive

There is profound knowledge of various models associated with organized crime. Even though one tries to stay under the radar of law enforcement organized crime is still a worldwide enterprise. The two main models of organized crime are bureaucratic and patron-client organizations. Discussed throughout this paper will be the similarities and differences between the two models of organized crime. Also discussed will be the importance of both models when understanding organized crime.

Organized Crime

Organized crime is defined in many ways throughout the world. It is important to understand the key points related to organized crime. Organized crime to me is the biggest ongoing criminal enterprise in the United States; organized crime occurs throughout the world. Organizations involved in such crime are powerful, have tight connections, and highly lucrative. The power provided by these organizations allows those involved to get what they want.

Bureaucratic Organization

The bureaucratic organization is one with firm and stiff procedures, policies, limitations or restrictions; as well as unwillingness to change to meet requirements the company reacts with tight strictness. This model is used for bigger organizations, which rely heavily on the principle of members who are arranged in ranks based on power and seniority. According to Lyman and Potter (2007), Cressey describes organized crime as,

The primary unit of La Cosa Nostra is the family, which embodies

male members of Italian ancestry. The family must abide by a code of

conduct that prohibits members from revealing organizational secrets and

that authorizes violent punishment for those who violate the code.

Cressey has suggested the existence of a hierarchy within the Mafia that facilitates the

flow of power and expectations of members. Included in the

hierarchy are...