METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN STUDYING CHINESE GANG EXTORTION

To assess the extent and severity of extortion and other crimes against businesses in the Chinese community, data were gathered from business owners using a commercial version of the National Crime Survey. Specific methodological issues encountered in this first systematic study on Chinese gang extortion included sampling, questionnaire construction, pre- testing, interviewer recruitment and training, community support, and rapport with subjects. This investigation was predicated on two frameworks: organized crime and victimology. The results of the research indicate that Chinese business owners can be cooperative in collecting this type of information if they are approached with tact and patience. Victimization surveys may be used effectively in studying organized crime activity in situations where the perpetrator must approach the victim in person. 1 table, 12 notes, and 31 references