Lecture 24 - Chambliss

Chambliss’ on Organized Crime

Organized crime may not operate outside the law but is potentially created and maintained by government

Organized crime may serve economic, political, and legal elites

Chambliss’ portrayal of organized crime in public perception

It acts as a smokescreen to hide the involvement of powerful groups

Chambliss’ idea of who earned the most profit from organized crime

Politically connected, well-organized groups

Chambliss’ & Professional Thief Law Enforcement Efforts

Harry King revealed police mainly focus on low-level criminals rather than powerful interests

MacDaniel’s refusal to participate in illegal gambling operations

Threat to the crime network in Seattle since it could have cultivated other business owners to resist their control