Our course will give students an understanding of the definition of Organized Crime, reasons for its emergence, an overview of many Organized Crime groups and activities, laws aimed at addressing the problem, and methods of investigating it. This course is given fully online.
In order to obtain a more in-depth understanding of individual Organized Crime organizations, students will prepare a research paper, 5-6 pages in length, plus cover page and bibliography, about a significant gang that operates in or affects the United States. Students may choose one of the gangs listed below or propose different Organized Crime group. In either case, you must obtain approval for the topic before starting the report. Only one student can pick a particular gang so choose quickly to reserve the group that most interests you.
Your report must explain the origin of the gang, its membership, its reason for organizing, significant criminal history, and law enforcement efforts to combat it. In addition to the written report, you will prepare a Powerpoint presentation that explains the highlights of the topic. I will post the presentation for all students to see. You will be graded on the thoroughness of your report and presentation, not on your Powerpoint skills. NYPD and our armed forces use Powerpoint every day to brief others and propose programs/operations. You will find this skill useful in your future career.
The bibliography must include a minimum of 3 sources; textbooks & Wikipedia may not be used.
–Organized Criminal Groups
1. Aryan Brotherhood
2.Black Hand
3. Bonanno Crime Family
4. Chinese Triads
5. Colombo Crime Family
6. Gambino Crime Family
7. Genovese Crime Family
8. Hell’s Angels
9. Los Zetas
10. Lucchese Crime Family
11. Marielitos
12. MS-13
13. Murder Incorporated
14. Purple Gang
15. Russian Mafia
16. Westies
17. White Hand Gang
