Running head: ORGANIZED CRIME MODEL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Organized Crime Model Executive Summary Omari H. Broussard CJA/384 February 23, 2014 David S. Thomas

ORGANIZED CRIME MODEL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Organized Crime Model Executive Summary

Patron-client networks are defined by the fluid interactions they produce. Organized crime groups operate as smaller units within the overall network, and as such tend towards valuing significant other, familiarity of social and economic environment, or tradition. These networks include: a complex hierarchy; territorial divide of authority and practice; tendency toward violence at any degree; and the capacity to corrupt public officials at any level of government. (Oakes, C.J., n.d.)

The distinctions between bureaucratic and patron-client organizations are found in the hierarchy of leadership and politics. Bureaucratic criminal organizations have a rigid hierarchy much like large corporations. Cresseys Costra Nostra Theory describes the bureaucratic structure (Lyaman & Potter, 2009). Key positions within the hierarchy include: the boss, consigliere, the Underboss, the Caporegime, and soldiers. The structure is designed to direct the flow of power and member expectation.

On the other hand patron-client network allow group to work more autonomously within the organization. Patron-client networks are more flexible than bureaucratic organizations. Joseph Albinis theory explains the patron-client network as, being made up of made up of criminal patrons who exchanged information, connections with governmental officials, and access to a network of operatives for the clients economic and political support. (Lyman & Potter, 2009) As in the bureaucratic model, patron-client networks have are structured with similar positions, from a boss to low level soldiers.

ORGANIZED CRIME MODEL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Understanding both models of organized crime is important because each model has different mode of operating. Bureaucratic organizations tend to be easier to learn about because the structure allows for trails to be followed. For instance, pressure can be put on a low level member to rollover on his/her boss due to the way they share in the profit. Higher-level members tend to have a better quality of living. Patron-client networks are harder to track because of the independence factor. Organizations under the patron-client network model tend to have more freedom of enterprise so they tend to be more mobile and less susceptible to infiltration.

ORGANIZED CRIME MODEL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Resources: Organized Crime. Retrieved from: https://www.boundless.com/sociology/deviance-socialcontrol-and-crime/crime/organized-crime/ Oakes, C.J. (n.d.). Understanding Organized Crime Through Two Models. Retrieved from: http://criminaljusticelaw.us/crime/understanding-organized-crime-through-two-models/ Lyman, M & Potter G. (2007) Organized Crime 4th Edition. Pearson Education.