ABSTRACT
The emerging emphasis on disrupting organized criminal groups can be contrasted with older enforcement-led approaches, which were resource intensive and limited in their success. Organized crime has received considerable attention in recent years as Governments have become increasingly aware of its scope, costs and dangers. Organized crime has also been conceptualized through the defining characteristics of the organizations themselves, with groups falling into either a hierarchical or enterprise model. Violence, intimidation and coercion have readily been associated with both street gangs and organized criminal groups. Regardless of level or sophistication, violence, intimidation and coercion are prevalent in gang life. A. Wright, however, makes a distinction between tactical and strategic forms of violence, noting the latter to be utilized both directly and indirectly by well-established crime groups. Intelligence-led disruption strategies place significant emphasis on joint working, where there is an expectation that law enforcement agencies share information to aid the detection of organized crime.
