Organized Crimes

Paper Summary:

Organized crime and gang related activity have continued to dominate urban cities and downtown centers for several decades. The two activities are similar in many respects including their ability to attract members to become part of a unique 'family.' This paper provides an overview of organized crime in the United States and shows how it differs from street related crime. It looks at reasons why these groups continue to attract members.

From the Paper:

"Gangs much resemble organized crime in that they include a group of closely related people that commit routine crimes against society. Early scholars noted that gangs arose much around the same time that organized crime did in the United States, and that gang members have often contributed to a "disproportionate level of crime in society" (Krohn, et al. 2003). Gang members are often more involved in delinquency than other youth organizations, but also more likely to be comprised of younger members of society than members of organized crime (Krohn, et al. 2003)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chin, K.L., Kelly, R. & Schatzberg, R. (1994). Handbook of organized crime in the United States. New York: Greenwood Press.
• Kelly, R.J. (2000). Encyclopedia of organized crime in the United States: From Capone's Chicago to the New Urban Underworld. Westport: Greenwood Press.
• Krohn, M.D., Lizotte, A.J., Smith, C.A., Thonrberry, T.P, Tobin, K. (2003). Gangs and delinquency in developmental perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

More papers on Organized Crimes:

• Cause and Effect Essay # 93396 : "Organized Crime in Chicago"
• Research Paper # 6034 : "Organized Crime Worldwide"
• Research Paper # 70786 : "Organized Crime"

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