Models of Organized Crime
Models of Organized Crime Executive Summary
CJA/393
January 26, 2012
Jennifer Williamson
Models of Organized Crime Executive Crime Summary
Organized Crime is becoming a worldwide enterprise even though they try to stay under the radar of law enforcement. There are two models of organized crime, bureaucratic and patron client model. While these models have differences they also have many similarities between them, one of which is making sure that the key to the success of these groups are their method and structure of the organization. Bureaucratic and patron- client models of organized crime have many similarities as well as differences. While both of these models give a good description of the structure of organized crime. The bureaucratic model explains that efficiency is the prime factor for larger operations and activities. When activities begin to expand the bureaucratic model is there to control enterprise with rules and means of communication (Mallory, 2007). An example of the bureaucratic model would be biker groups or the Colombian cartel. These groups are more susceptible to law enforcement efforts because of its chain of command, communication structure, and heavy involvement of the leaders in the criminal activity (Mallory, 2007). In this group the leader gives orders and oversees operations directly. Patron-client model of organized crime is more of a structured crime group because there are bonds that tie the organization together rather than just being a group of random individuals who are a group due to having the same interest in something. While the individuals involved in the crime and operations are not directly part of an organization, their relation varies mainly because each participant is looking out for their best welfare which makes the patron-client model more of a loose structure of power (Lyman & Potter, 2007). The mafia is an example of the patron-client model and there goal is to conduct criminal activity
CJA/393
January 26, 2012
Jennifer Williamson
Models of Organized Crime Executive Crime Summary
Organized Crime is becoming a worldwide enterprise even though they try to stay under the radar of law enforcement. There are two models of organized crime, bureaucratic and patron client model. While these models have differences they also have many similarities between them, one of which is making sure that the key to the success of these groups are their method and structure of the organization. Bureaucratic and patron- client models of organized crime have many similarities as well as differences. While both of these models give a good description of the structure of organized crime. The bureaucratic model explains that efficiency is the prime factor for larger operations and activities. When activities begin to expand the bureaucratic model is there to control enterprise with rules and means of communication (Mallory, 2007). An example of the bureaucratic model would be biker groups or the Colombian cartel. These groups are more susceptible to law enforcement efforts because of its chain of command, communication structure, and heavy involvement of the leaders in the criminal activity (Mallory, 2007). In this group the leader gives orders and oversees operations directly. Patron-client model of organized crime is more of a structured crime group because there are bonds that tie the organization together rather than just being a group of random individuals who are a group due to having the same interest in something. While the individuals involved in the crime and operations are not directly part of an organization, their relation varies mainly because each participant is looking out for their best welfare which makes the patron-client model more of a loose structure of power (Lyman & Potter, 2007). The mafia is an example of the patron-client model and there goal is to conduct criminal activity
References: Lyman, BM. D., & Potter, G. W. (2007). Organized crime (4th ed.). : Prentice Hall Mallory, S. L. (2007). Understanding organized crime. Oxford, Mississippi: jones and bartlett.