Hackers Underworld 2: Forbidden Knowledge/Hackers Underworld 2: Forbidden Knowledge.iso/LEGAL/FBIJUN01.TXT

Text File | 1990-06-29 | 14KB | 255 lines

June 1990

          THE YARDIES:  ENGLAND'S EMERGING CRIME PROBLEM

                                By

                          Roy A. C. Ramm
                 Detective Chief Superintendent
            International and Organized Crime Branch
                           Scotland Yard
                          London, England


     In January 1988, the British press published accounts that
portrayed an upsurge in Jamaican-based crime and the emergence of
an organized crime group within the United Kingdom described as
``The Yardies'' or the ``Black Mafia.''  Shortly thereafter,
Scotland Yard initiated an inquiry to identify the elements of
Jamaican organized crime, if it existed.

     Unfortunately, disturbing information came to light as a
result of this inquiry.  Distinct similarities existed between
what was beginning to take place with regard to organized crime
in the United Kingdom and what had been happening in the United
States for some time.  The inquiry identified a picture of
ethnically based crime that was not only growing but was also
occurring in areas where policing is often difficult and
dangerous.

AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

     During the 1950s, while England was enjoying a post-war
economic boom, the British Government encouraged immigration to
the country to fill existing job vacancies.  As a result, many
Afro-Caribbeans immigrated in search of a better standard of
living.  They mostly found unskilled employment, and because
wages were low, sought cheap housing in the run down, inner-city
areas.  When the country's economic fortunes changed, many in
this new work force were among the first to feel the recession.
Second-generation Caribbeans, in particular, found it difficult
to match achievements with aspirations.

     Within the low-income, Afro-Caribbean communities of
London, crime is not unlike that found in many major American
cities.  Living in poor-quality housing--often public or
``project'' housing--the people comprise a disproportionately
high ratio of the unemployed.  Violence, usually drug related,
continually plagues residents.

     Over the years, police relations with residents of these
communities have often been strained, and on occasion, violently
confrontational.  Policing ethnically sensitive and volatile
areas was difficult and demanding, although considerable
progress was made in developing the citizenry's trust in law
enforcement.

     However, the relationship between law enforcement and
low-income, ethnic communities deteriorated rapidly when a new
influx of immigrants arrived in the United Kingdom during the
late 1970s.  Unlike those who preceded them, these immigrants did
not adhere to a Christian work ethic, nor did they come seeking a
better life.  Rather, they came as criminals, often fugitives, to
earn money from crime.  Gradually, these ``Yardies'' (1)
distinguished themselves from the local communities.

YARDIE PROFILE

     Yardies are generally single males between the ages of 18
and 35.  They are usually unemployed, often by choice, although
some will claim to be involved in the music business as singers,
musicians, record producers or promoters, or disc jockeys when
challenged.  Although determining the nationality of those who
arrive is difficult, Jamaica is by far the predominant country of
origin.  Entering the country as tourists or to ``visit
relatives,'' Yardies usually assume false identities and carry
forged credentials.  Many have criminal convictions or are wanted
by the police.  Because they are known only by their street names
to their associates, they are extremely difficult to identify.
Some even travel on false or fraudulently obtained British
passports.

PATTERN OF IMMIGRATION

     The United Kingdom became an attractive destination for
Yardies because of its long-standing association with its former
colonies in the Caribbean.  Both share a common language and many
cultural, social, sporting, and religious values-- factors upon
which legitimate immigration is built.

     Unfortunately, with the immigration of convicted criminals
and fugitives, a criminal infrastructure arose within the
community that is hostile toward the police and provides a refuge
for fugitives.  Clubs, bars, and house parties that tend to
imitate Jamaican street life provide the venues for crime.

     Even though Yardies find support in these established ethnic
communities, the United Kingdom is not the destination of choice
for them; that honor is bestowed on the United States.  However,
as Jamaican violence and drug trafficking has grown, U.S.
immigration authorities and other Federal agencies have become
aware of the dangers posed by Jamaican gangs.  The United States
has made it increasingly difficult for Jamaican criminals to gain
entry into the country; consequently, they have been forced to
look elsewhere, particularly to the United Kingdom.  In many
cases, though, Britain has simply become the staging point for
entry into the United States on fraudulently obtained British
passports.

YARDIES AND DRUGS

     Once in the United Kingdom, the Yardies who assimilate
into the community usually become involved in drug-related crime.
Such crime is primarily introspective, that is, it is the
community itself that is damaged the most.  Drug sales are made
predominantly to other residents; violence, usually drug related,
is directed toward those who live there.  Inevitably, and no
doubt as a direct economic necessity, the crime spills over into
other areas of the community with burglary and robbery being
committed outside the defined areas to fund drug abuse.

     In many ways, the cultural strengths of the Afro-Caribbean
communities are being debased and abused as vehicles for serious
crime.  Organized Jamaican reggae parties are used frequently to
conduct drug transactions.  International travel by couriers and
traffickers is masked behind the ``international culture of
music.''  Nonauthorized radio stations are prolific advertisers
of musical events where drugs are distributed.

     The traditional use of marijuana has given way to cocaine
and ``crack cocaine.''  Here, the methods of production and
distribution of drugs emulates those of U.S. inner cities.
Heavily armored doors, alarmed and protected by locks and grills,
define the perimeters of drug houses.  The use of pagers and
mobile phones are common among the dealers.  Yet, the greatest
concern is the increasing use of firearms.

FIREARMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

     For the most part, British police are unarmed. Also, access
to firearms by the general public is strictly controlled.  In
comparison with the United States, shooting incidents are rare.

     The most common criminal use of firearms is during an armed
robbery, although discharge of the weapon rarely occurs.  For
example, in 1987, shots were fired in only 79 of the 18,102
robbery cases recorded by the Metropolitan Police Force in
London.  Of the 685 homicides in England and Wales in 1987,
firearms were used in only 13 percent of the killings, although
this percentage is distorted by the fact that one man shot 16
people.