Organized crime and gangs have been a part of America's criminal landscape for over 100 years. Law enforcement combats organized crime and continues to find methods to reduce and eliminate this criminal activity. You will perform research to find current information concerning law enforcement's efforts to deter, remove, and eliminate organized crime and gang activity.

• Provide a definition of organized crime.
• Name and discuss some examples of organized crime activities.
• List and describe three or four criminal organizations operating in the United States. Include member types and activities in the organization.
• Explain the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act, and explain how it has been applied in the past to combat organized crime and gangs. Research two cases involving RICO.
• Provide a summary for each case involving RICO that you found.
• Is this a battle that law enforcement is equipped to win?
• In your opinion, what can be done to reduce and eliminate the organized crime and gang problem in the United States?