Organised Crime: Redefined for Social Policy

Abstract

This article argues that the modern concept of problem-orientated policing requires that organised crime be redefined in sociological and political science terminology to identify opportunities for community-based policing initiatives to be utilised in undermining its institutional base. It seeks to redefine organised crime by its use of power and acts of victimisation. The article reviews a number of traditional organised crime groups by undertaking an historical power analysis process to substantiate this argument. It identifies the conditions and societies that gave rise to organised crime. It discusses the initial community or institutional purpose of the organised group and how it mutated to dominate by acts of criminal victimisation. The view is expressed that a victim-centred, problem-orientated policing policy is necessary to understand the legitimacy of organised crime in isolated communities and to remove barriers between the police and these communities. This view promotes the use of specially trained community police officers who are directly linked to other agencies engaged in suppressing organized crime to develop community capacity building to resist crime in isolated communities.