Summary: The Windfall For Organized Crime

Unlike bootleggers, rumrunners were less discrete and received their name from running from the police in modified cars. This, being the beginning of the greatly loved American Sport Nascar, which originated from the 1920’s due to prohibition. As well as bootleggers, many people would illegally procure alcohol from moonshiners. However, the process for making moonshine attracts attention because of the smell, therefore, moonshiners were stationed deep into the woods and mountains, or in some cases, made bathtub gin. The moonshiners would manufacture alcohol and have “runners” distribute the product. At the same time, police and federal tax agents would be on the lookout for the runners and chase them down out on the streets. The runners were

Due to prohibition, Organized Crime took off and expanded their “business” tremendously. They became a very important role to society, government, and the legal force due to the influence they held over many people and organizations. With that influence, the organized Crime had control over police departments and certain politicians. Along with their rising power, Organized Crime earned respect from other organizations and the public because they provided alcohol. In the article “Prohibition” under the section”The Windfall for Organized Crime,” the authors report, “Al Capone and Johnny Torrio, heads of the Chicago syndicate, used a combination of money and muscle to effectively take over the government of Cicero, a Chicago suburb, and run it as their own private kingdom” (Anderson, Angel, et al). This information concludes that the power Organized Crime had over people was immense and through influence, the Organised Crime were able to expand their business. In due time, the Organized Crime became less eminent in culture, but are operating

Many believe the police officers were easily influenced due to their low wage, which lead to the corruption within the Police Department. Also, as crime rates increased, the amount of criminals caught increased, which overwhelmed many of the policemen who could not keep up. Sometimes, it was easier to turn a blind eye to the criminals, some even taking part in the illegal activities. An illustration of the governmental corruption during the 1920’s is of a man who transformed from a loyal member of the Seattle police department to the “King of the Northwest Bootleggers”, Roy Olmstead. Olmstead was a high ranked Lieutenant whose time of service corresponded with the corrupt days of Seattle, including the enforcement of prohibition. Olmstead's high rank allowed him the perfect opportunity to become a successful bootlegger. He was able to see how profitable the bootlegging business was and saw his opportunity in 1920 to take part in the illegal business. In March of 1920, Olmstead was discovered unloading canadian alcohol from a boat and was discharged from the police force. However, he made a quick comeback and dedicated his life to being a full time bootlegger. In due time, Olmstead monopolized the supply and smuggling of alcohol in Seattle and lived a lavish life. That is until, he was arrested and sent to prison for multiple illegal encounters and spent his time in