NCJ Number
145926
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 139- 170
Date Published
1993
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the origin and rise of Jamaican "posse" activity in the United States.
Abstract
The researchers obtained data on Jamaican posses from the confidential files of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force located in Dallas, Tex., and from the public records maintained by the Dallas Police Department. The latter contained official information on Jamaican posse- related murders and drug trafficking activity in Dallas. In Jamaica, the conditions of wide-scale poverty, violence, and disenfranchisement provided the catalyst for posse development. These groups, although initially political in nature, evolved into well-structured and organized gangs that terrorized citizens through violence. Some posse members were losers in the political infighting and left their homeland. Two American posses, Shower and Spangler, trace their origins to the slums of Kingston. Once in the United States, posse members were adept at applying their unique form of organization, structure, violence, and leadership to part of the illegal drug trade. Soon after Jamaican posse members entered the United States, they established a foothold in the marijuana trade. In the early 1980's, posses' emphasis shifted from marijuana to the street-level distribution of cocaine. This change in emphasis was also attended by an increased use of violence. Posses have also established working relationships with West Coast street gangs, traditional organized crime groups, and the Colombian narcotics cartel. Posses function as independent groups with different leaders. They use legitimate businesses to mask or assist illegitimate activities. The authors suggest topics for additional research on Jamaican posses. 2 tables and 22 references