Watch clips from "The Departed"
Cast:
Jack Nicholson-Frank Costello
Alec Baldwin-Captain George Ellerby
Matt Damon-Colin Sullivan
Leonardo DiCaprio-Billy Costigan
Mark Wahlberg-Sergeant Sean Dignam
Martin Sheen-Captain Oliver Queenan
Plot:
Irish MobLinks to an external site. boss Francis "Frank" Costello (Nicholson) plants Colin Sullivan (Damon) as a moleLinks to an external site. within the Massachusetts State PoliceLinks to an external site.’s Special Investigation’s Unit (SIU). Ironically, the entire purpose of the SIU is to stop members of organized crime such as Frank Costello. Simultaneously, the police assign undercover state trooper William "Billy" Costigan (DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello's crew. When both sides realize the situation, Sullivan and Costigan each attempt to discover the other's identity before they are found out.
Answers to these questions as a file (DOC) attachment below:
1-) Is the Special Investigations Unit set up as a functional structure or a divisional structure?
2-) Given the concerns expressed by Sergeant Sean Dignam at the end of the clip, why is a divisional structure most appropriate for the SIU?
3-) What specific dangers might Billy Costigan face if the SIU were a functional structure?
Full Answer Section
Why a Divisional Structure is Most Appropriate (Considering Sean Dignam's Concerns):
Sergeant Dignam's concerns likely center around information sharing and compartmentalization. A divisional structure addresses these concerns:
- Reduced Risk of Leaks: By focusing on organized crime, the SIU limits exposure to sensitive information about other police operations, potentially preventing leaks to Costello's mob.
- Improved Expertise: Specialization within the division allows officers to develop deep expertise in combating organized crime, enhancing their effectiveness.
- Clear Lines of Authority: A divisional structure typically has clear reporting hierarchies, which can aid in managing undercover operations and maintaining secrecy.
3. Dangers for Billy Costigan in a Functional Structure:
If the SIU operated under a functional structure:
- Increased Risk of Exposure: Officers with various specializations (e.g., forensics, interrogation) might not be aware of undercover operations, raising the risk of Billy's cover being blown.
- Information Silos: Functional structures can create information silos. Without a clear understanding of the SIU's overall focus, officers might not recognize the significance of Billy's intel, hindering the investigation.
- Duplication of Efforts: Functional structures can lead to duplicate efforts if different departments are unaware of the SIU's undercover operation.
Conclusion:
Given the focus on organized crime and the need for secrecy in undercover operations, a divisional structure seems most suitable for the SIU. This structure promotes expertise, reduces the risk of information leaks, and allows for clearer lines of communication, all of which are crucial for the SIU's success and Billy Costigan's safety.
Sample Answer
The Departed: Analyzing the SIU's Structure
Based on the information provided about the movie "The Departed," here's an analysis of the Special Investigations Unit's (SIU) structure:
1. SIU's Structure: Likely a Divisional Structure
- Focus on Specific Crimes: The SIU targets organized crime, suggesting a focus on a particular criminal activity, which aligns with a divisional structure.
- Specialized Skills: Officers likely possess expertise in areas like undercover work, surveillance, and interrogation, indicating specialization characteristic of divisional structures.