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. Unfortunately, there is a greater willingness among Jamaican drug dealers to settle disputes with a firearm. The fatal shooting of ``Yardie Ron'' on the streets of a busy London suburb during the course of dispute involving drugs evidences this fact. Eight shots were fired from three different weapons, an occurrence totally alien to the United Kingdom. In some areas where the unarmed British bobby has struggled to gain the confidence of the community, some Yardies routinely wear guns as macho displays. YARDIE ORGANIZED CRIME It is difficult to determine by the intelligence gathered whether Yardie or Jamaican crime is organized and comparable to other crime groups like the La Cosa Nostra. Yet, one key element of organized crime--providing illegal goods or services--is clearly evident in Jamaican crime groups. Without question, these groups are involved in supplying marijuana, cocaine, and to a certain extent, prostitutes. They also use force and violence, but here is where the analysis becomes more complex. Traditionally, organized crime has been perceived to rely on corrupt public officials to maintain its monopoly. Yet, Jamaican crime groups do not have a monopoly, or anything approaching it. Nor is there any substantial evidence of them being involved in public corruption or the criminal infiltration of existing organizations, such as unions or businesses. There is also no evidence of any intent to establish quasi-legitimate corporations as ``fronts'' for criminal activities. By far, the most vexing questions are those of leadership and group structure. Jamaican crime in the United Kingdom does not have a select group of senior figures controlling a complex, criminal pyramid. Rather, Jamaican crime groups have relatively small, flat organizational structures. The rise to the top is a relatively short step for anyone with access to drugs and the willingness to use force. In most cases, the ``top man'' not only imports the drugs but is also personally involved in street dealings. Occasional conflicts between groups are manifested in street violence, but for the most part, groups support each other. In fact, it is not uncommon for members to belong to more than one group. Groups are not durable and frequently break up and reorganize. The dynamics of the groups are chaotic; the only common denominator is the ethnic origin of the members. POLICE RESPONSE The lifestyles and cultural traits of those involved in Jamaican crime groups increase the danger to public order. Members show limited aspirations for material gains; their loyalty is to the streets and the so-called ``front lines.'' One effect of this loyalty is that those who are perceived by their peers to be successful in crime are constantly providing role models for youngsters just becoming involved in crime. Structuring an approach to combat these disparate, mobile targets is particularly difficult, especially since the police do not want to be denounced as racist and oppressive on one hand or oversensitive and ineffective on the other. One successful approach is multiagency operations based on carefully researched intelligence, coupled with a sensitivity to cultural issues. Also, immigration officers experienced in Afro-Caribbean affairs are essential components of operations to determine true identities. Planning and intelligence gathering must take into account the mobility of the Jamaican criminal, the ``transferable culture,'' and the nature of the offenses. International intelligence indices will often reveal true identities and outstanding arrest warrants. Checks of these indices have revealed that many suspects in the United Kingdom are also wanted for serious offenses in the United States and Jamaica, including homicides. Exchange of intelligence information has identified those who frequently travel across the Atlantic and who are currently suspected of crimes on both sides. In one instance, a Jamaican crime figure was denied entry into the United Kingdom as a result of information obtained from a New York law enforcement agency. The individual had a narcotics conviction under an assumed alias. CONCLUSION Law enforcement agencies must ensure that Jamaican crime groups do not find a niche in society, either by accident or design. For the most part, group members who move constantly from one jurisdiction to another do not fall into tidy categories law enforcement agencies tend to create. Early recognition of minor characters can prevent their elevation to positions of power within their respective organizations. Only through intelligence analysis can today's foot soldiers be prevented from becoming tomorrow's generals. FOOTNOTE (1) The term ``Yardie'' is a moniker given by the Jamaican people themselves to someone recently arrived in the United Kingdom from Jamaica, which is referred to as the ``back yard'' (meaning back home).