One of the distinguishing characteristics of both gangs and organized crime groups is the widespread use of violence. Murder, assault, and intimidation are commonplace for members of gangs and organized crime groups, and violence is an accepted part of the subcultures of both groups. Violence committed by members of gangs and organized crime groups is often viewed by the public as random or simply violence for violence’s sake. In fact, violence is frequently used to settle disputes (including business disputes), to defend turf, and to retaliate. Although violence is often directed at specific targets most often rival gang members’ innocent bystanders frequently get caught in the middle.
Gangs and organized crime groups pose a serious danger to the public. It is not surprising that the U.S. cities considered to be the most dangerous, such as Los Angeles, have sections that are saturated with gang members. Similarly, many of the most dangerous places in the world notably areas of Columbia, South America, are centers for drug trafficking by organized crime groups. Recognizing how gangs and organized crime groups use violence in the United States, and in other countries, offers some insight into the inner-workings of these two criminal groups and the challenges they pose to the public and to law enforcement.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review Chapter 1 of your course text, Drugs, Gangs, and Organized Crime. Think about how gangs contribute to the violence problem in the United States.
Review Chapter 9 of your course text, Drugs, Gangs, and Organized Crime. Consider the various ways that organized crime has affected crime rates both domestically and internationally.
Review the website, “The National Gang Center.” Review the various statistics related to the connection between gangs and violence.
Review the website, “Organized Crime News.” Identify the types of crimes that organized crime members commit against society.
Review the video, “18 with a Bullet.” Reflect on how gangs use violence, and think about the global impact of gang violence.
Focus on either gangs or organized crime groups. Reflect on the connection between gangs or organized crime groups and violence.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 a brief explanation of how gangs or organized crime groups use violence. Then, explain the degree to which gangs or organized crime groups contribute to crime domestically and/or internationally. Finally, explain at least one implication of gangs or organized crime groups on the criminal justice system.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
Note: Include the group (a gang or organized crime group) you selected in the first line of your post. You will be asked to respond to a colleague who chose a different group than you did.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.
Respond by Day 6 to at least one of your colleagues’ postings. Respond in one or more of the following ways:
Ask a probing question.
Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
Offer and support an opinion.
Validate an idea with your own experience.
Make a suggestion.
Expand on your colleague’s posting.
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