Criminal Leadership: the Experience of Sociological Research

Abstract

The authors use the specific sociological method (questionnaire) to research public opinion regarding the phenomenon of criminal leadership. The questions were formulated using research recommendations to ensure representative and reliable results. It was established that differences in the positions regarding the key questions of the survey were connected with the age of respondents. Most respondents link the phenomenon under consideration with organized crime. The influence of a criminal leader is based on established criminal traditions. The opinions regarding the causes of the existence of criminal hierarchy differ greatly. Younger people believe that taking a top place in the criminal hierarchy is linked with socio-cultural factors, while older people name economic reasons. It is clear, however, that the abovementioned reasons are connected with inefficiencies in the work of law enforcement, including the work on the legal education of citizens. A constant inflow of young people in criminal communities is a special concern. A criminal leader has material and human resources at his disposal. Such a leader exercises the functions of management, rule setting, punishment. The existence of the criminal hierarchy leads to the widening of criminal activities. The public image of a criminal leader is that of a person with knowledge, organizational skills and a strong will. Typical behavioral characteristics are the use of violence, mercenary behavior, open disregard for the norms of public morals. The opinion that criminal leadership is connected with corruption is quite common. Criminal leaders support the criminal subculture, as its infiltration in the society (for example, the AUE movement) creates conditions for strengthening the influence of criminal leaders on it. This influence is manifested through the spread of false moral values, the atmosphere of insecurity and fear, the encouragement of unlawful behavior. Most respondents agree that the activities of criminal leaders should be curtailed. The survey results proved the urgency of strengthening the work to prevent criminal leaders from taking the top position in the criminal hierarchy. The prevention measures should be of economic, social and cultural character.