Personal Perception of Organized Crime - Essay Example

These enterprises are run and managed by criminals for the sole purpose of perpetrating illegal activities (Allum and Gilmour, 2012). Examples include various gangs and even terrorist groups. As can be observed, both definitions highlight organized crime as the perpetration of criminal activity with the aid of various, highly established mechanisms such as groups or gangs. However, the initial perception of organized crime prior to further reading was only limited to the portrayal of organized crime in the form of certain gangs.

This implies that further reading brought exposure with regard to other forms of organized groups such as terrorist groups. In addition, cyber crime could also be considered as a form of organized crime. Characteristics of Organized Crime Organized crime has numerous characteristics. Organized crime behaviors are mainly highly structured and employ the differentiation of roles and operations. The system is, thus, involved in various illegal activities around the world. As mentioned, these crimes are perpetrated with the aid of groups of gangs whose membership is extremely loyal and committed to the set objectives.

Thus, the characteristics of organized crimes involve many classifications as subsequently outlined. Violence and Intimidation Violence and intimidation represent a core characteristic of most organized crime behaviors. This implies that in the perpetration of organized crime, the criminal involved either employs violent behaviors or intimidation methods. For instance, terrorist groups may indulge in violent tendencies in regards to achieving certain objectives. On the other hand, other organized crime groups such as gangs may employ intimidating behaviors in the control and regulation of territories.

Thus, innocent civilians or residents may be intimidated into compliance with certain operations with regard to the activities of the gangs. For instance, shopkeepers may be forced and intimidated into parting with certain amounts of money on a regular basis to the gangs. As a result of this intimidation processes, civilians may fail to testify against the gangs in court owing to fear of vindication. Thus, violence and intimidation contribute significantly to the thriving of organized crime in modern societies (Allum and Gilmour, 2012).

Employment of Technology This represents an emerging trend in the perpetration of organized crime in modern society. Organized crimes have embraced technological advancements in the perpetration of criminal activities. Cybercrime refers to one of the examples of employment of technological advancements with regard to organized crime behavior. Through cybercrime, organized gangs are able to obtain sensitive personal and financial information using software applications. Information collected may, in turn, be used in the perpetration of internet crimes such as internet theft or internet fraud.

Money Laundering Money laundering also represents a significant characteristic of organized crime behavior. Thus, billions of dollars are laundered annually by organized crime groups around the world. This process involves the exploitation of domestic financial institutions. The system is extremely structured and organized. This implies that various parties are responsible for the operations within the process of money laundering. Money laundering also employs a range of forms of technological