MUST - FOLLOW OUTLINE - USE THE REFERENC ES PROVIDED - CITE REFERENCES IN-TEXT USING APA Research Project Overview The Research Project provides students an opportunity to apply what they have learned about crime and criminology during the length of the course. The overall goal of the Research Project is for students to choose a topic from the course text that interests and challenges them, analyze the topic by reviewing credible and evidence-based scholarly resources relative to the problems and challenges that exist, and apply the theories, concepts, and principles covered in the course. It is recommended that students review all of the assignments, requirements, and grading rubrics so that they know exactly what is expected of them throughout the course and for the final Research Project. Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you: Give a brief explanation of your chosen topical area. Based on your chosen topic, define the problems and challenges that exist in crime and criminology. Explain the historical issues that have contributed to the problems and challenges. Address the internal and external stakeholders and how they contribute to both the problems and the solutions in crime and criminology. Discuss the data and information that you have collected while conducting research on your topic. Discuss how the data relates to the problems and challenges in crime and criminology. Develop a solution that addresses the problems and challenges in crime and criminology, based on your research. Use at least six (6) scholarly sources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia, Ask.com, Answers.com, Freedictionary.com, and other open source Websites do not qualify as scholarly. Outline Thesis: Organized crime in Mexico has surged over the past few years and is increasingly affecting the drug trafficking crisis in the United States. I. Introduction 1. Thesis 2. Organized Crime a. Definition - Organized crime is defined at the fbi.gov website as any group having some manner of a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities. 3. Drug Trafficking a. Definition - Drug trafficking is an illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. 4. Security in Mexico 5. Role of U.S. Law Enforcement II. Body 1. Mexico and the U.S. Drug Trafficking Crisis 2. Background of Priority Areas a. Organized Crime b. Drug Trafficking 3. GAO Research – U.S. - Mexico Border Issues Relating to Drug Trafficking a. Nature of the Problem Discussed b. Effects on the U.S. 4. Role of Law Enforcement a. Combined Policing Efforts in Mexico b. Countering the Threat over the Border 5. The Future a. U.S. - Mexico Border Relations III. Conclusion 1. Thesis - The drug trafficking situation in the United States has grown over the past few years from Mexico’s flourishing organized crime. 2. Analytical Summary - .