Omertà
a strict code of silence and absolute refusal to cooperate with legal authorities, deeply rooted in southern Italian organized crime. Core Principles of Omertà, No Police Contact Members and associates must never seek help from the state or police, even if they are victims of a crime. Self-Reliance. Personal grievances must be resolved independently or through private revenge rather than legal channels. Absolute Silence. Even if wrongfully convicted, a person is expected to serve their prison sentence rather than reveal information about the real offender.