Cja 325 - Models of Organized Crime

Models of Organized Crime

Craig Haberli

CJA 325

March 7, 2016

Ms. Weaver

Models of Organized Crime

        The media and entertainment forums have typically illustrated organized crime as being mafia related. These deceptions usually show the same generalized or stereotypical models for organized crime syndicates. However, not all crime organizations follow the same model. There are two primary models to organized crime: bureaucratic and patron-client. This paper will explain each of the models, and why it is important to criminal justice authorities to understand them.

Bureaucratic Model

        The bureaucratic model of organized crime functions very closely to a bureaucratic government. As an organization continues to grow larger in size, there is more need for control; this includes the creation of rules, a hierarchy of command, specialization among its members and communication (Mallory, 2012). Due to the added means of control, the hierarchy is much more involved in the operations. Not only are they giving the orders, but they are also overseeing the operations as a whole. With the heavy involvement that is required, the bureaucratic model is much more exposed to law enforcement investigations.

Patron- Client Model

        The patron-client model of organized crime most closely resembles the structure that has been portrayed by any mafia movie ever made. The patron provides economic aid and protection for the client. The client pays back in more intangible asset; for example, esteem and loyalty; and may also offer political or other important support (Abadinsky, 2010).  Essentially, the patron bridges the gaps of communication between two parties with like objective to achieve their goals.

        Both of these models are organized based off of a central hierarchy, which utilizes structure. However, the two are very different because the bureaucratic model’s control enforces many more rules. Communication is also important to the success of the organization, which can also be a negative because it is much more traceable. Where as, the patron-client model, all communication is done face to face, and the lower level employees have their right to control their own actions and business dealings, as long as it is good for the business as a whole.

Understanding each Model

        It is important for law enforcement agencies to under each model of organized crime because each structure requires different tactics while investigating. Within the bureaucratic model there are several ways for the organization to find it difficult to operate. First, a death or incarceration period for top-level personnel can leave dangerous gaps in its operations and infrastructure. Second, bureaucratic organizations can be infiltrated from the lower levels, and due to the command and communication structure, information can be acquired easily and endanger the entire organization. Lastly, generating and maintaining written records endangers the entire organization (Abadinsky, 2010).