Caporegime

Mafia family structure tree.en

Caporegime or capodecina, often shortened to just capo, is a rank used in the Mafia (both the Sicilian Mafia and American Mafia) that denotes the head of a crime family "crew", with specific duties and responsibilities to manage the crew's illegal activities. The term originates from the Italian language, where "capo" means "head" or "chief", and "regime" or "decina" refers to a group or division of ten people, though the size of a crew can vary significantly beyond ten members.

Overview

A caporegime is appointed by the boss (or sometimes the underboss) of the crime family and is in charge of a group of soldiers (lower-ranking members) and associates (non-members who work with the Mafia). The capo's role is to oversee the day-to-day criminal operations of their crew, ensuring that the illegal activities such as loan sharking, gambling, extortion, and narcotics trafficking are carried out efficiently and profitably. They are also responsible for maintaining discipline within their crew and resolving any disputes that arise.

In return for their management, caporegimes receive a share of the profits generated by their crew's activities. This system incentivizes them to maximize earnings while maintaining loyalty to the crime family's leadership. Caporegimes also have the authority to propose new members to be "made" into the family, although the final decision rests with the boss.

Hierarchy and Structure

In the hierarchical structure of the Mafia, the caporegime ranks below the consigliere, underboss, and boss, but above the soldiers and associates. Each capo runs their own crew independently but must follow the overall strategies and rules set by the family's leadership. The number of caporegimes in a family can vary, depending on the size and scope of the family's operations.

Historical Context

The concept of the caporegime has been a part of the Sicilian Mafia since its early days and was later adopted by American Mafia families following the wave of Italian immigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The role and importance of the caporegime have evolved over time, adapting to changes in the legal environment and the criminal underworld.

In Popular Culture

The role of the caporegime has been depicted in various films, television series, and books about the Mafia, contributing to the public's fascination with organized crime. Notable examples include characters in "The Godfather" series, "Goodfellas", and "The Sopranos", where caporegimes play pivotal roles in the narrative, often highlighting the complexities and internal conflicts within Mafia families.

See Also

• Mafia
• Organized crime
• Racketeering
• Cosa Nostra