Organized Retail Crime (ORC) is an organized effort by two or more persons to convert illegally obtained merchandise or cash into financial gain through theft or fraud. This usually involves the theft of multiple quantities of similar products or thefts from multiple stores, multiple jurisdictions or multiple states.

"Organized retail theft is a "gateway crime that often leads us to major crime rings that use the illicit proceeds to fund other crimes-such as organized crime activities, health care fraud, money laundering, and potentially even terrorism." FBI Special Agent Eric Ives, Violent Crimes/Major Offenders Unit

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retailers operate more than 3.5 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

Law Enforcement / Private Sector Partnership

"The use of the task force approach to combating crime, coupled with successful partnerships within industry, is seen by the FBI as one of the most effective and efficient tools by which to identify, disrupt and dismantle any criminal enterprise. That strategy is working."  - Dave Johnson, Section Chief, Criminal Investigation Division, FBI

AKORCA is a statewide crime-fighting partnership.  This alliance allows retailers and law enforcement to communicate about criminal activity impacting businesses on a real-time basis while preventing other partners from being victimized. The searchable website and its mapping capabilities are focused on providing real-time crime alert system.  Through this collaborative partnership, law enforcement and the business community will be able to work together to identify offenders and resolve cases, all while developing new and innovative ways to combat ORC networks.

How to Join Alaska's "Retail Crime-Fighting" Community