Final answer:
To decrease organized criminal opportunity, legalization of drugs is the most direct approach recommended, as it removes black markets and cuts profits for organized crime. Anti-money laundering laws also target the financial aspects of crime syndicates. Community policing strengthens law enforcement-community relations but does not directly decrease criminal opportunity like drug legalization does.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the policies suggested by Howard Abadinsky for decreasing organized criminal opportunity, legalization of drugs is a profound method. Legalizing activities that are currently illegal, like drug use, can significantly undermine organized crime by removing the profitability and the black market surrounding these substances. The implementation of anti-money laundering laws can also be immensely effective as they directly target the financial infrastructure of organized crime, limiting the ability of criminals to launder their illicit proceeds and thereby constraining their operation.
Furthermore, policies such as community policing can contribute to the reduction of crime by building trust and cooperation between the community and law enforcement, which can lead to early identification and mitigation of criminal activity. Focused strategies including legalizing drugs may reduce the enforcement costs and cut down on related crimes by regulating and taxing the substances instead.
However, evidence on deterrence approaches like gun control measures suggests that they may not be as effective in reducing organized crime as they do not directly target the criminal organizations' opportunities for profit.