Assignment 1: Educating the Public about Organized Crime

Assignment 1: Educating the Public about Organized Crime

Citizens often have little, if any, knowledge about domestic organized crime and the operations of such organizations. Much of what the public knows comes from the media. Many people are unaware that domestic organized crime groups are those that operate within the boundaries of the United States and often comprise US and foreign citizens. Police officials are in key positions to help educate the public about the business of domestic organized crime. Community forums are excellent venues for educating the public about how organized crime groups function. This includes identifying what the groups do to generate profits.

Basic public awareness about how organized crime groups operate is critical to maintaining safe communities. Police administrators have the responsibility of informing citizens about what to look for to identify and report suspected domestic organized criminal activities.

The following scenario is designed to help the public gain a basic understanding of how to identify domestic organized crime groups.

Community policing efforts are critical in creating a safe environment for citizens. You are a mid-level police supervisor. As part of a team-oriented community policing approach, you have been selected by your police chief to hold a community forum where you will be responsible for educating the public about domestic organized crime groups so that the public will know how to identify such groups in the community.

To complete this assignment, use your textbook and the Argosy University online library resources to identify specific community policing efforts. Find at least one effective community policing effort you can describe at the community forum.