Patron-Client and Bureaucratic Models 1

RUNNING HEAD: Patron-Client and Bureaucratic Models

Patron-Client and Bureaucratic Models
Steven Griffiths
CJA384
University of Phoenix
Bryan Kaminski
2/4/2013














Patron-Client and Bureaucratic Models 2

Inside the inner most workings of the criminal justice field, there are two very different
distinctions of organizations: the bureaucratic organization, and the patron-client organization. Some of
the most basic distinctions between the two groups are that the patron-client organizations are often
referred to those that choose to break the law of the land. Whereas bureaucratic organizations, and the
ones who enforce the law of the land.
When you look at the patron-client design, this organization of people is operated by a single
individual (Boss) who keeps the structure similar to that of a family with really strong bonds, who show
their loyalty and trust to one another. The main role of the Boss is to give the organization stability and
function in the form of aid and security for the client. The return for these kinds of favors is that the client
is willing to carry out any task the boss asks of them. The one who controls the resources of the business
(patron) is responsible for setting up back alley meetings for the client. Located within the confines of this
model the patron has the ability to produce income via illegal networks with other clients involved in
different criminal doings like, trafficking of drugs and women, assaults, and shakedowns. The patron also
has the handy ability to pull bought police officers from their pockets to be used when it is going to
benefit them the most.
Examining the bureaucratic structure it would almost seem as though in the basics of crime
everything is done the same, and for the same end goals, however this is not the case. This particular
model is run like that of a top Fortune 500 company, complete with CEOs, a board of trustees, all the
way down to the factory line workers. They deal with illegal activities on a much larger scale, and recruit
only the most select of members into the organization. According to Abadinsky 2007 Unlike the patron-
client model, where their members are not exactly related the other members, and establish close, brother
like connections. The responsibilities of the bureaucratic system are mostly carried out in an impersonal
manner, while keeping a diligent brigade of labor. Their commands come from the highest level in the
organization, through every channel available until the orders reach their intended person, and every
single person within the organization has a role or purpose. Every member has a responsibility to know
the chain of succession in order to execute any given task without hesitation. The organization will not
Patron-Client and Bureaucratic Models 3

allow a former member to reveal the inner dealings of the organization, and does not hesitate to put a
bounty on the head of the one who defects or leaves.
To close, the patron-client group is just one half of two different models showcasing its
differences as well as its similarities, where the second half of the two is the bureaucratic model.
Understanding the workings of organized crime is of great importance, simply because it gives the Feds
the knowledge of their motus operandi.
References
Abadinsky, H. (2007). Organized Crime. 8th ed. Balmont.Ca Thomas/Wadsworth.