Some may wonder why the success of organized crime's enterprises depend on the extent of the public corruption; why do organized crimea nd political and law enforcement organizations often form such close, symbiotic relationships; and finally, the impact that my respective stands on the aforementioned have on society as a whole. The following will excerpt will address all these questions and more.
The sucess of organized crime enterprises depend upon the extent of the public corruption because this is what keeps their organization functioning; without people willing to commit crime, there would be no business for the organized criminal organizations to support societies corruption. not only are the organized crime groups dependent upon the corruption of civilians, but they are also dependent upon the corruption within the government. this provides that law enforcement and political officials will turn the other cheek when an organized criminal activity is taking place. Through this level of corruption, organized criminal activity has the opportunity to expand their operations, eventually producing more power than the government in that particular area, which as the potential to expand globally.
One reason I believe organized crime and polital and law enforcement organization often form such close symbiotic relationships is because this is the only way for them to attain the information needed to convict members of the organized crime group, without violating the members individual rights. Law enforcement officers are also expected to use a proactive approach towards crime while on duty. This allows them to form special relationships with members of the community that give them an inside look on potential criminal activities. "To seek out criminal activity in the more efficient manner possible, proactive law enforcement officers must conceal their identities and otherwise decieve the criminals they are stalking" (Abadinsky, 2006). However,t his can become hazardous for the officer and the department because undercover officers posing as criminals can be difficult to monitor. The agencies only know what the officer reports; therefore, this can promote corruption in the agency and potentially make the officer a liability if he or she is not trustworthy.
"Over the last two years, FBI investigations have lead to the conviction of more than 1,060 government employees involved in corrupt activities, to included 177 federal officials, 158 state officials, 360 local officials and more than 365 police officers" (LawFirm.com, 2009). I believe that strengthening the selection process in all governement agencies is a must. There should be no leniency towards criminal history, questionable background investigations, or areas that may raise a yellow flag regarding the individual's character. Corruption is everywhere and without a careful selection process, the government can be compromised, benefiting criminal organizations and other criminals in society. Nevertheless, even if there is a careful selection process all officers must be monitored closely. Government corruption can happen at any time and any place, and if not monitored, can drain economic resources and possibly provoke a mandated legal reform; which could potentially provoke further corruption.
References
Abadinsky, H. (2006). Organized Crime [8th ed]. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning
LawFirm.com (2009). Public Corruption - FBI's Top Criminal Priority. Retrieved November, 09, 2009, from Law Office: Orange County.com: http://www.lawofficeorangecounty.com/news.cfm/Article/64426/Public-Corruption--FBIs-Top-Criminal.html
