Crime exists alongside ordinary society rather than defining it. Most people can live predominantly ordinary lives without involvement in the criminal world.
There is no unified national underworld. Criminal activity consists of independent offenders, crews, gangs, illicit businesses, fences, fixers, smugglers, corrupt individuals, organized groups, and networks. Their influence is usually local or regional, although relationships and supply networks may connect different cities and states.
Access to criminal contacts and opportunities normally develops through relationships, reputation, circumstances, location, and introductions rather than membership in a universal criminal network.
Law enforcement exists at federal, state, county, municipal, and other jurisdictional levels. Agencies have different responsibilities, jurisdictions, resources, priorities, information, and personnel.
Courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, corrections systems, regulatory agencies, emergency services, and other institutions operate broadly according to contemporary American structures.