Week 1: Introduction to Criminal Organizations

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The movies and media have often portrayed the seductive nature of gangs and organized crime—from Goodfellas to The Wire and The Sopranos—painting their members as a slick, confident “family” operating above the law, or at least alongside it. In reality, criminal organizations are less glamorous than they are destructive. Such organizations contribute to drug and gun proliferation, as well as violence, and negatively impact the communities in which they operate. They also may be more prevalent than you think, their roots spreading even to rural areas of the United States.

The goal of the course is to study criminal organizations so that you, as a professional, can combat their activities and the lasting effects of those activities. This week, as an introduction, you define and compare street gangs, organized crime groups, and terrorist groups. You also reflect on firsthand experiences with these groups as a way to gauge your existing understanding.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Differentiate between street gangs, organized crime groups, and terrorist groups

Reflect on personal experiences with street gangs, organized crime, and terrorism

BELOW YOU WILL FIND THE DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT THAT IS HIGHLIGHTED PLEASE FOLLOW AND READ EVERYTHING ON THIS PAGE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED. THIS PAPER MUST BE 150 TO 200 WORD COUNT AND REFERENCE WILL NEED TO BE ADDED AS WELL. I HAVE ALSO ATTACHED A SAMPLE PAPER FOR YOU TO FOLLOW BY TO HELP YOU FORM YOUR WORK……

Discussion: Street Gangs, Organized Crime Groups, and Terrorist Groups

In every book or article, you read, you may find different definitions of street gangs, organized crime groups, and terrorist groups. This is because there is no such thing as a prototypical gang, organized crime group, or terrorist group. On one hand, there are similarities in themes within and across these groups, such as the participation in illegal activities and the use of widespread violence. On the other hand, there are also important distinctions among these groups in terms of their structures, tactics, memberships, and cultures.

In this Discussion, you examine the distinctions among street gangs, organized crime groups, and terrorist groups and consider why it is so difficult to define and distinguish these groups.

Post a response that addresses the following:

What are the differences between and among street gangs, organized crime groups, and terrorist groups? Be sure to use specific examples to support your response.

Explain why it may be difficult to define and distinguish between street gangs, organized crime groups, and terrorist groups.

Week 1 Discussion

Shawn Nu

alu Esco

Walden University

Dr. Mike Klemp-North, Instructor

CRJS-4103D-11/CRJS-4103-11-Drugs Gangs Org Crime2017 Spring Qtr 02/27-05/21-PT5

April 13th, 2017

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Week 1 Discussion

Gangs and organized crime groups do indeed use violence to obtain a certain reputation.

Using violence, especially in a public manner, have a strong effect on those living in gang

saturated areas. The best way I have found to describe a gang is, “A group or association of three

or more persons who may have a common identifying sign, symbol, or name and who

individually or collectively engage in, or have engaged in, criminal activity which creates an

atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Criminal activity includes juvenile acts that if committed by

an adult would be a crime.”, (National Gang Center, n. d.). The use of violence by gangs and

organized crime groups is a common tactic when it comes to obtain territory, reputation and most

of all, fear.

“An organized crime is any crime committed by a person occupying, in an established division of

labor, a position designed for the commission of crimes providing that such division of labor

include at least one position for a corrupter, one position for one to be corrupted, and one

position for an enforcer.”, (InvestigativeSciencesJournal.org, 2013).

When a gang has its neighborhood afraid, they can practically do what they want and not

worry about legal repercussions; because no one calls the police and no one ever sees anything.

Gangs and organized crime groups both present serious challenges for law enforcement

agencies worldwide. As it pertains to the structure and activities of gangs or organized crime,

each group can take on the characteristics of other groups; resulting in rivalries.

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Occasionally, rival gangs or organized crime groups with come together and form an alliance in

order to create turmoil and chaos towards efforts made by law enforcement.

I think the biggest comparison street gangs and organized crime groups is the use of

intimidation to attain certain goals. Even within their own ranks, at times people are made

examples of in order to earn respect. A significant difference between the two social groups

would be the actions performed by the groups, which can determine whether a street gang has

evolved into an organized crime group.

I never realized the amount of corruption in the form of organized crime that lies beneath.

Politicians, police, and city and state government alike are not immune to the influences of

organized crime. Makes one wonder if anyone is above influence; or if there are any active crime

syndicates currently influencing the United States government.

References

InvestigativeSciencesJournal.org staff, (2013). Street gangs, organized crime and

terrorists; differentiating criminal organizations. Retrieved from

http://investigativesciencesjournal.org/

National Gang Center staff, (n. d.). What is a gang? Retrieved from

https://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/

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