Assignment:
Scope and Activity of Criminal Organizations
As noted in your textbook, almost one-third of all U.S. city, town, and county law enforcement agencies reported facing gang problems on the 2012 National Youth Gang Survey (Egley, Howell, & Harris, 2014). Does this number strike you as high or low? Do you think your own community has such a problem? Your answers to these questions are influenced by personal and professional experiences, popular and news media portrayals of what a gang "looks like," and perceptions of the people with whom you interact.
While learning about the scope and activity of criminal organizations, you look closely at your own community. You then inform the public of the most significant threat you have found. Even if your community appears crime free on the surface, to what extent are criminal organizations thriving there? What about the community encourages these organizations' activities?
Reference:
Egley, A., Jr., Howell, J. C., & Harris, M. (2014). Highlights of the 2012 National Youth Gang Survey.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Assess personal perceptions of the scope and activity of criminal organizations
Analyze misconceptions and myths associated with criminal organizations
Evaluate the scope and activity of criminal organizations
Analyze the impact of criminal organizations on communities
Discussion: Perceptions of Criminal Organizations
There are countless examples of gangs and organized crime groups in films and television shows. The film and television industry has generally depicted these groups consistently over time as belonging to a specific race, ethnicity, and/or culture, being part of a specific age group, and using the most gruesomely violent means to accomplish their goals. These depictions, along with misreporting that can occur in the news media, contribute to many myths and misconceptions of gangs and organized crime groups that still persist today. Therefore, some people may be surprised to learn that gangs and organized crime groups exist in their communities and may look and operate differently than what has been portrayed in the media.
In this Discussion, you consider the degree to which your own perceptions of the scope and activity of criminal organizations in your community align with reality. You also consider the common myths and misconceptions that lead to inaccurate perceptions of criminal organizations in your community.
Post a response that addresses the following:
1. What is your perception of the scope and activity of criminal organizations in your community? Do you think criminal organizations are a problem in your community? Why or why not?
2. To what degree does your perception align with reality?
3. What myths or misconceptions might lead to inaccurate perceptions of criminal organizations in your community?