THEFT OF THE NATION - THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS OF ORGANIZED CRIME IN AMERICA

• NCJ Number: 3218
• Author(s): D R CRESSEY
• Date Published: 1969
• Length: 367 pages
• Sale Source: Harper and Row
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE METHODS AND ORGANIZATION OF THE CRIMINAL SYNDICATE WHICH PROVIDES ILLICIT GOODS AND SERVICES BY CORRUPTING OFFICIALS.

Abstract

THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT, SINCE ORGANIZED CRIME PROVIDES GOODS AND SERVICES DEMANDED BY LEGITIMATE SOCIETY, IT HAS BECOME A PART OF THAT SOCIETY. THE STRUCTURE OF ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN MANY WAYS REFLECTS THE TECHIQUES EMPLOYED BY LEGITIMATE BUSINESSES. THERE IS A SPECIALIZED DIVISION OF LABOR AND A POOLING OF CAPITAL BY THE VARIOUS BRANCHES OF THE FAMILY IN ORDER TO REINVEST PROFITS, OFTEN BY PURCHASING LEGITIMATE BUSINESSES. THE AUTHOR EXAMINES THE ORIGINS OF ORGANIZED CRIME AND TRACES THE SYSTEMATIC DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT OF TECHNIQUES WHICH THREATEN THE LIVES OF VICTIMS AND INFORMANTS AND POSE GRAVE DANGERS TO SOCIETY IN GENERAL.