Assignment 1: Debating the Issue of Organized Crime and the Role of Terrorism

Organized crime has been problematic for law enforcement agencies for decades. The very structure and activities of organized crime makes eliminating the problem an ongoing challenge. The purpose of this assignment is to show just how difficult it is for law enforcement to stop organized crime. Strategies to eliminate organized crime have included increased surveillance and various policy changes, but they have failed.

You are running for mayor of Centervale. It is a tight contest, and you expect to have a rather heated debate at the town hall meeting coming up. Your campaign manager tells you that at the debate, your opponent intends to present a plan for eliminating all organized criminal enterprises from Centervale. However, from your knowledge of the history and theory of organized crime, you know that complete elimination of organized crime is impossible, although a reasonable plan for reducing criminal activity can be developed and implemented at the local, state, and federal levels.

Submission Details:

Minimum of 250 words, post to the Discussion Area your responses to the following:

Use your knowledge of organized crime to create a counterargument against your opponent. Your counterargument should:

Focus on the future of organized crime and consider its impact on the threat to public safety.

Educate the public on why terrorism is a valid area of concern in the organized crime debate.

Provide a rationale for highlighting key areas that pose a specific threat to public safety.