Models of Orgnazied Crime

Models of Organized Crime

Amanda Jones

CJA/325

Paul Johnson

February 25, 2016

Models of Organized Crime

        The criminal justice system is complex entity that requires many dimensions. The criminal justice system is built with two types of organizations. One is called the patron-client organization and the other is called the bureaucratic organization. In this paper we will discuss both and how they differ in the criminal justice system. Though there are many vast differences to the two different organizations, there are some similarities in each that we will discuss as well.

        The patron-client model and the bureaucratic model differ in a very obvious way, being that the patron-client model organization is often operated by one controller such as a boss, similar to a structured organization like the Italian mafia or La Cosa Nostra. The patron-client model is structured like a family that displays extremely loyalty and devotion to each other. According to Lyman (2011), the patron in this situation, who is also called the boss generally “provides economic aid and protection for the client, in return the client shows appreciation by performing necessary duties that are ordered by the patron. The patron controls the resources of the business and sets up all contact meetings for the client.” The patron-client organization is really beneficial for the patron or the boss as it gives the patron the control to bring in more income by forming relationships with people who participate in criminal activity, like money laundering, trafficking drugs and sometimes people, and other fraudulent money making acts. They’ve also been known to witness tamper and intimidate. A patron also has a large control over a certain geographic area that his clients are often spread out over, trying to bring in more revenue. The patron also has a very particular and selected set of connections and informants that he relies on that can often times be corrupt officials of law enforcement or political affiliation. These connections are often secured to work in the favor of the criminal organization.

        Not all crimes that are committed are done the same in the same fashion or with the same intent. The bureaucratic model is formed like business operation or large corporation. It is headed by a CEO or company executive that has employees or workers under them. Under the bureaucratic model, crime is handled on a much larger spectrum. There is an extreme level of formality and has a pyramidal structure. The members that work within the bureaucratic model aren’t often affiliated with the other workers or bosses in any personal manner like in the patron-client model where its molded like a family. Each person is aware of his or her responsibility as well as who their subordinates are. Each member is required to abide by their given directions and carry them out without hesitation to assure the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Now, remember that we are still speaking in terms of a criminal organization, so when a member of the organization goes against his orders or does not complete his task, he or she will not just be terminated from their position, they are likely to be eliminated altogether. The organization cannot risk the former member exposing secret insider information out to the public or to its rivals.