Organized Crime

by Michael D. Lyman, Gary W. Potter

Dispelling current myths regarding organized crime, Lyman and Potter’s fourth edition reveals a truer picture of organized crime and criminal activity today. Providing scholarly treatment and a social perspective, the authors explore the concept of organized crime, the historical foundation for its evolution and development, and the current status of criminal groups in today’s society. Offering timely and respected research, this edition includes a thorough examination of drug trafficking, new sections on emerging organized crime groups, updated case studies, more coverage international groups, updated statistics, graphics and more! Presents a broad view of organized crime that incorporates more than just ethnically- driven, pop-culture stereotypes. Incorporates two parallel themes—organized crime consists of many different groups and corrupt individuals in public office, business etc., contribute to the continuation of the problem. Uses thematic questions (What is organized crime? Is there really a Mafia? Is terrorism organized crime? Do political machines still exist?) to promote higher-order thinking skills and a critical examination of the topic. Synthesizes volumes of historical data and archives to present the most salient aspects of the organized crime problem. References information and reports generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, the National Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Statistics and well-known researchers in the field. Law enforcement professionals and those interested in a scholarly treatment and a social perspective of organized crime.

496 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[Donald Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I'd more accurately give this book a 4.5 or so rather than a 5. It's a good book, but for this addition (2007), most of the data and references that it relied on we're quite dated. It suffers from the textbook problem of releasing a new text without the responsibility of adequately updating it in a truly scholarly manner. It definitely is an eye opening book that shatters many common (pop, criminal justice and even credal law enforcement) perspectives on organized crime. It's an enjoyable and thoroughly informative book. A great contrast to and supplement for common law enforcement perspectives on organized crime. I think of its theoretical prowess for practical application in fields that often resist novel ways to improve their ways of doing things, etc. Is a major selling point.

[Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a required read for a class, but it was very interesting. The best chapter was on the associations many former US presidents had with organized crime.

[Ruth Kyle · Rating 1 out of 5]

So glad the past 4 weeks of my life is over, I swear the authors could have tried to make this book a little less repetitive and dull. Hope I can pass my midterm...