About the Book
Understanding Criminal Networks is a short methodological primer for those interested in studying illicit, deviant, covert, or criminal networks using social network analysis (SNA). Accessibly written by Gisela Bichler, a leading expert in SNA for dark networks, the book is chock-full of graphics, checklists, software tips, step-by-step guidance, and straightforward advice. Covering all the essentials, each chapter highlights three themes: the theoretical basis of networked criminology, methodological issues and useful analytic tools, and producing professional analysis. Unlike any other book on the market, the book combines conceptual and empirical work with advice on designing networking studies, collecting data, and analysis. Relevant, practical, theoretical, and methodologically innovative, Understanding Criminal Networks promises to jumpstart readers’ understanding of how to cross over from conventional investigations of crime to the study of criminal networks.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations and Tables
1. READ FIRST
A Practical Example
Problem-Oriented Policing
P.I.V.O.T.
Utility of Social Network Analysis
Objective of this Book
Organization of the Book
2. DEMYSTIFYING SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS
Example Project
Methods
Units
Focus
Relations
Analytic Options
3. SOCIAL NETWORK THEORY 101
Assumptions of Social Network Analysis
Four Essential Theoretical Perspectives
Strength of Weak Ties
Structural Holes Theory of Social Capital
Small-World Perspective
Contagion and Three Degrees of Influence
Suggested Readings
4. CONNECTED CRIMINALITY
Overview of Theoretical Congruence
Biopsychological Theories
Control Theories
Developmental Theories
Strain Theories
Hyperdyadic Social Learning in the World of Methamphetamine
Data Source and Inspiration
Learning Theory Refresher
Integrating Learning Theory with Hyperdyadic Spread—
Methamphetamine Example
Visualizing Anonymous Networks
Suggested Readings
5. CONNECTED EVENTS
Overview of Theoretical Congruence
Deterrence and Situational Theories
Neighborhood Ecological Theories
A Networked Account of Opportunity Theories
Crime Pattern Theory
Routine Activity Theory
An Integrated Theory of Networked Opportunity
Suggested Readings
6. WHO IS WHO?
Rapid Onset
Current Understanding
Co-offending
Criminal Groups
Criminal Enterprise
7. GATHERING DATA
Assembling Information about Criminal Networks
Research Designs
Sampling
Collecting Data
Small World Method
Suggested Readings
8. MAPPING NETWORKS
Data Integration
Consolidating Relational Information
Entity Resolution
Estimating the Amount of Missing Data
Sensitivity Analysis
Detecting Corrupted Data
Digit Analysis
Example Digital Analysis of Global Weapons Trade
Final Words of Advice
9. DESCRIBING NETWORKS
Describing the Whole Network
General Descriptive Statistics
Structural Description of a Whole Network
Clustering
Investigating Actor Positioning
Degree Centrality
Betweenness Centrality
Egocentric Networks
Descriptive Statistics
Measures of Central Positioning
10. ADVANCED ANALYTIC OPTIONS
Transitivity
Nondirected Graphs
Directed Graphs
Gang Violence Example
Subgroup Identification
Top-Down Approaches
Bottom-Up Approaches
Example Application
Advanced Analytics
11. PRODUCING PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS
Making Critics Happy
Visualizing Connections
Slices and Layouts
Image Elements
Presentation Tips
Drivers
Academic Research Centers
Practitioner-Oriented Programs
Professional Associations and Training Opportunities
Concluding Remarks
References
Index
