Security and Organized Crime

The historical process of combating violence, is crime prevention and control and minimization of risk.

Within this context, studies originated and developed by the military and civilians tried to achieve the state of the art necessary for combating violence can be efficient and thus achieve tolerable levels for the welfare of the community.

In the international arena from the 1960s, there was the emergence of various initiatives to combat the increasing violence and the consequences resulting from this situation. Among several attempts, it was observed that the solution was increasing police-community interaction, specially focusing on respect with society.

The new idea of a police connected directly to the needs of stakeholders, seeking further integration and recognizing that the citizen who lives in an area of social risk, should be seen so respectful. Community policing was born then.

Technological innovations, operational base of economic globalization, were quickly adopted by criminal organizations.The mafias have held its own "globalization", in which the labor force comes from the preferential migration, sometimes clandestine, possibly in working conditions similar to slavery. Two factors contributed decisively to the new world order of organized crime.

The unification of the European Community (EC), which is materialized in the 1990s (now called the European Union - EU), and the end of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR ).

The end of borders, in countries that joined the EU and the absolute lack of political and military control over the vast territory of the former Soviet Union, opened a corridor from the Baltic to the Pacific, for the disposal of the products of organizations as the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra), the Russian Mafia, the Chinese Triads, the Yakuza (Japanese) and the Colombian Cartel.

This movement, the world, involved agreements and understandings, taking into account a "support bank" already prepared by the 'tax havens', and prospered in the financial markets under the brand of three circumstances:

a) The fall in business profitability of traditional products;

b) the excess of dollars from the existence of payments deficit and domestic debt increased in the U.S. for at least 50 years, the same extent as the dollar took over the condition of world currency.

c) The process of privatization of the economy of the former USSR in the 1990s under the government of Boris Yeltsin, through which the Russian mafias began to dominate 70% of the financial system of the Russian Federation.

Holders of equity, available, opened the Russian mafia a 'gateway' extremely relevant in the global financial system. The crossing with the global activity of organized crime in its version less shocking occurred in successive operations, balance sheets and accounts of fraud. Other two also note the phenomenon: the deployment of a system of e-commerce, based on operations of the Internet and the privatization of postal services international - in which the largest is FedEx, based in the U.S..

In this context there are other macro-elements to be considered: the issue of patents and control of biodiversity - from the battle scenes of international diplomacy to the ends of the Amazon.

The shadow of the state, officials criminals operate a policy of biopiracy strongly linked to organized crime circles. From a geopolitical view, Miami and Los Angeles (USA) appear as' capital 'of organized crime strategy for Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia, especially in the two most relevant aspects: - the trafficking of drugs and weapons.

Among the countries that are more wash money the U.S., where they give 50% of all financial transactions that have as source drug trafficking, terrorism, kidnapping, smuggling, corruption and other illegal activities. The different global networks and connections, which operate with the support of ultrasound technology flee, even for now, the scope of calls of Financial Intelligence Units (FIU - Financial Intelligence Unit), which act globally articulated in the so-called Egmont Group.

In its last report, the group notes: the delay in investigations of money laundering means that were presented few settings involving new technologies or techniques - such as washing Internet, smart cards (smart cards) or banking transactions online. We anticipate that, over the years, more and more cases involving these technologies come to the knowledge of the forces of repression against crime.

The available literature on organized crime are only now beginning to meet the cases of laundering of capital 'dirty' schemes based on high tech. As the money grows in volume transactions in the real economy, more organized crime networks and we passed by the vast network of virtual money. Precisely at that size there are difficulties in identifying the "dirty capital", obtained through the sale of drugs and weapons, for example, that is" washed "daily and receive the blessings of the market, breaking the economies of countries of central capitalism, and so-called emerging countries, without being bothered by anyone.

The money laundering activity is presented as either mean performance of acts concatenated in time and space, perspective is reached determined purpose. These actions are linked to concealment and integration. From a strategic action of organized crime, conceal and disguise are movements background the action of integration, when the 'dirty money' return in the economy as a legitimate investment market. In this stage, is rarely possible to recover the assets generated by illegal activities.

In a worsening of the socio-economic conditions of countries classified as " emerging" on all continents, there are three elements that can be highlighted:

a) The fall in profitability of traditional businesses, a world in which products are produced and services are provided, so-called real economy;

b) The increase in poverty in world, with the deconstruction of the growing world of work;

c) Lack of control of financial markets and the flow of capital, by states and multilateral bodies such as the World Bank (IBRD), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organization (WTO) and of multilateral organizations tied to the United Nations (UN).

Drug Trafficking comes in first rank hierarchy in markets controlled by organized crime the first is that drugs, mainly cocaine, heroin and synthetic, such as ecstasy and amphetamines. It is estimated that the business moves from $ 300 to 500 billion.

The second is the trafficking of weapons. Further, trafficking in human beings for prostitution, organ trade, slave labor. Then there are other sectors such as corruption and money laundering that permeate all the work of organized crime. A very acceptable number, calculated by the United Nations, is 400 billion dollars (more than the global oil industry), employing nearly 20 million people and serving 70 to 100 million consumers.

Perhaps half of these consumers are in the United States, the largest market for drugs in the world - and the largest market for everything else. Authorities and experts that deal with different ways of combating organized crime, from multilateral bodies such as the United Nations (UN) bodies, intelligence and repression of democratic, non-governmental organizations see the "lords of crime 'with a kind of 'holding'. The concept is taken from the modern theory of government and was appropriated by mafias and cartels to manage and maintain the mega-business in high.

And all this, regardless of the war and repression still concentrated in the hands of the state, today extremely weakened by the reduction and dismantling of the state machinery, the world, a result of the policies led to the end of the 1980s by the U.S. and Great Britain.

It operates as a holding company. The group that comes to drugs is often linked to arms trafficking, mainly because it is a business that involves no money, only goods: I give you 20 kg of cocaine in exchange for a gun. This happens on the border between Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, especially with the proceeds of the theft of cargo, cars and trucks. Often there is no money in the middle. Therefore, organized crime operates as holding more than as a business sector.

The Trafficking of Weapons The smuggling of weapons, the operation part of a perfectly legal transaction (the purchase of weapons in trade for export), is a hidden level, but still 'legal' and returns to the country illegally, smuggled by criminal organizations engaged in the resale slums and outskirts of large Brazilian cities. There is also an aggravating factor in the world of trafficking in weapons, the arsenal of Russia, whose economy is totally dominated by the mafia: 'According to the Minister of Interior of the Russian Federation, approximately 5,700 mafia groups control 70% of the banking sector of the country and most of its exports of oil, natural gas, of strategic minerals and raw materials.

We must distinguish, preliminarily, the trafficking of weapons of illicit arms trade.

The first, practiced by drug traffickers linked to criminal organizations, and has assumed the sale in bulk, or in quantity and type (quality) that involves big money. But the illegal trade, typically retail, thrives in the shadow of their own unconventional bodies and authorities responsible for public safety, more than the arms trafficking, illegal arms trading business is nonsense. The police seized a 38 to someone, a small gun, near the heavy weaponry that exists today. This gun remains lodged in the judiciary, the police for years, and the state often loses control over it.

The scheme of trafficking in weapons operates in reverse of the drugs, in general: first a purchase is made, legally, then the product is exported to finally return smuggled in the country, going directly up in the hands of criminal organizations. In early 1991, a fact revealed to the international community the size of the problem, especially the control exercised by the Russian mafia in such sensitive sectors of the economy of that country, such as the financial system.

The nuclear issue - never be emphasized enough - is one of the most serious problems. In 1991. For $ 250 thousand he could buy a nuclear warhead for medium size (approximately 700 pounds). " What probably prevents the use of nuclear weapons by organized crime is on the one hand, the volume of destruction caused and possible violent retaliation, and, secondly, the lack of a strategic reason.

The main risk, therefore, involves groups and religious fanatics. The numbers of world production of weapons, despite the secrecy surrounding the trade war industry, for alleged reasons of state, indicate that the five permanent members of UN Security Council United - United States, China, Russia, France and the UK - totaling nearly 85% of the world stock of weapons. The United States exports nearly 15% of its production, the United Kingdom and France, 25% and 20% respectively.

Nearly 80% of sales go to smaller and poorer countries, especially for problem areas in the developing world.

What feeds the traffic on a global scale, many times is the production of small arms, whose manufacturing technology is simple and relatively affordable cost. Unlike the complex weapons systems such as missiles: "To give an idea of numbers, the development of a new air-to-air missile leaves around $ 1.5 billion to $ 2 billion dollars.

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Security in High Crime Areas

Did you know that a burglary happens every 15 seconds somewhere in the United States? No matter where you live, your home is not immune to crime. Every household should have security alarms, outdoor lighting, and other basic security features. However, there are some areas where security measures are even more important.

It is an unfortunate reality that some neighborhoods are looked at as "high-crime areas." This very idea often leads to more crime, as criminals are drawn in by this designation. If you are living in an area that you don't consider to be 100% safe, you should be particularly proactive about your home security measures.

In addition to particular neighborhoods or areas of nearly every large city in the world, some entire cities are known to have high crime rates. Homeowners in the cities of Memphis, Baltimore, Miami, and Detroit should be particularly cautious, as each year these cities remain high on the Forbes list of "Top Ten Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S." While home security should be at the front of your mind no matter where your family lives, it is especially important to be vigilant about home security if you live in one of these cities.

Crime rates around the country are on the rise. In many cases, crime rates are tied to the economy; in the current recession, it's no surprise that crime rates are rising. Personal and property crimes are rising in many cities. Even if you have not lost your job or otherwise been personally impacted by the recession, you can be affected by rising crime rates as a result of the economy. Unfortunately, more and more neighborhoods across the country seem to be falling into the designation of "high crime areas," making it more important now than ever to protect the security of your home and your family.

What can you do if this is your family's reality? Even if you live in a high-crime area, you can choose to fight back and to gain control of your community. Do something today to make your area safer for the next generation, not to mention your own family. Start a Neighborhood Watch program. This system has been proven effective for lowering crime rates in residential neighborhoods. It is a commitment between neighbors to keep an eye on those coming and going, and to report suspicious or criminal behavior to the police.

When the recession causes increased crime rates, many of these additional crimes are property crimes. If you're worried about such crimes, take steps to protect your belongings. Don't leave your car unlocked or your valuables in plain sight, either in your car or in your home. At home, store small valuables in disguised safes so that they won't be taken if you do fall victim to a burglary. Don't walk around at night with expensive jewelry, clothing, or electronics. In short, be aware of what you're advertising about your possessions.

Within your own home, always follow appropriate security precautions. Lock all doors and windows, and secure them with home alarms. These are some of the most effective ways to keep burglars out without having to resort to metal bars across the windows. For high-crime areas, consider additional home security features such as motion-detecting alarms, as well as personal protection devices such as pepper spray or a stun gun.

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How Effective are CCTV Security Systems at Reducing Crime?

Since the July 7th London bombings, CCTV security systems (closed circuit TV) across the world have been examined with greater scrutiny and with greater expectations for reducing crime. Although not a panacea for preventing crime, many CCTV surveillance systems have been successful at reducing some types of crimes like property crime, for acting as a deterrent in car parks or in other public places, and for making citizens feel safer. However, the results are mixed when addressing violent crimes and when the crimes involve alcohol.

In the UK, where an average person may be watched 300 times a day by the prevalent closed circuit television systems, numerous case studies paired with crime statistics have been used by Britain's Home Office to determine the effectiveness of these CCTV systems and to see how well CCTV saves time and money for their police force. In fact, from 1999 to 2001, the British government spent £170 million (approximately $250 million) for closed circuit television security schemes in town and in city centers, car parks, crime hot spots and in residential areas.

Keys to evaluating CCTV systems

According to Coretta Philips of the Home Office Policing and Reducing Crime Unit, CCTV systems are evaluated using these identifiers which help police pinpoint where and when the CCTV security camera systems are most beneficial.

o Caught in the act -- When potential offenders fear being recorded by the CCTV cameras for courtroom purposes, they usually abandon any idea of conducting a crime.

o Publicity -- If the CCTV camera schemes are public knowledge, then the would-be offenders may leave the target area, but may head to another area. Home Office data found that in the days leading up to the CCTV system activation, crime went down due to the increased publicity. However, if the publicity of the CCTV system is private, then offenders may be more likely to be deterred because they may think that CCTV security cameras may monitor other areas as well.

o Effective deployment of law enforcement officers -- CCTV systems increase the response time of police officers to the incident scene before a member of public has to call the police. According to data compiled in 2004 by the Home Office, CCTV operators can determine how many officers to send to the scene and the CCTV surveillance cameras can indicate what the offenders are doing at the scene before the police arrive.

o Time for crime -- If the offenders think that they can complete their crime before the CCTV systems can record it, then the police will have less chance at capturing the offenders. For example, if car thieves know that the security camera's angle, range and speed are limited, they might determine how to best avoid the CCTV security cameras. However, the Home Office CCTV data has shown a reduction in car thefts in car parks, revealing that some offenders may still be captured on camera despite the speed of the crime.

Where CCTV systems scored well and where they missed

Although CCTV systems seem to reduce and deter property crime in public areas, such as car parks or shopping malls, CCTV systems aren't as effective at stopping or preventing violent crimes. Although the CCTV systems do help at deploying police officers quickly to these violent crimes sites, the offenders may avoid the security cameras, since the security cameras are mounted in public zones, where violent crimes don't take place. In this case, better street lighting may help to prevent such violent crimes from occurring. In addition, when alcohol is involved, the offenders don't consider the consequences of their actions, making the CCTV systems ineffective as a deterrent amongst the intoxicated offenders.

On a positive note, the CCTV systems do reduce the public's fear of crime and they do ensure the quick deployment of officers to the incident scene which gives less time for the offenders to act more violently. To truly verify if the CCTV system is effective, the law enforcement body needs to conduct video surveillance evaluations over a long period of time to weed out any inconsistencies in the crime data. Also, if the CCTV operators are well-trained and know the fastest way to deploy the police officers, then the CCTV system will be more effective. CCTV systems are the future for preventing crime, and as the CCTV security cameras become more sophisticated, more offenders will be caught and more crimes will be prevented.

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About the Author
Alice Osborn is a successful freelance writer providing practical information and advice about video surveillance security systems for business, non-profit and home use. Her numerous articles include tips for saving both time and money when shopping for video security products; equipment reviews and reports; and other valuable insights. Learn more about specialized video surveillance equipment like the video multiplexer when you visit Video-Surveillance-Guide.com today!