This book examines the use of social network analysis (SNA) in operational environments from the perspective of those who actually apply it. A rapidly growing body of literature suggests that SNA can reveal significant insights into the overall structure of criminal networks as well as the position of critical actors within such groups. This book draws on the existing SNA and intelligence literature, as well as qualitative interviews with crime intelligence analysts from two Australian state law enforcement agencies to understand its use by law enforcement agencies and the extent to which it can be used in practice. It includes a discussion of the challenges that analysts face when attempting to apply various network analysis techniques to criminal networks. Overall, it advances SNA as an investigative tool, and provides a significant contribution to the field that will be of interest to both researchers and practitioners interested in social network analysis, intelligence analysis andlaw enforcement.

Autorentext

Morgan Burcher is Honorary Fellow at Deakin University, Australia.

Inhalt
SERIES EDITOR INTRODUCTIONABBREVIATIONSFOREWORDCHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING, CRIME INTELLIGENCE AND SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSISIntroductionConceptual Frameworks of Law EnforcementThe 3-I Model and Crime IntelligenceNetworks and Social Network AnalysisResearch DesignBook StructureCHAPTER 2 SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS IN THE FIELD OF CRIME INTELLIGENCE: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION AND LIMITATIONSIntroductionThe Theory of Social Network AnalysisThe Development of Social Network Analysis in Law EnforcementThe Application of Social Network Analysis to Criminal NetworksThe Challenges and Limitations of Social Network Analysis as Applied to Criminal NetworksThe Gaps in Knowledge of Social Network Analysis and Law EnforcementConclusionCHAPTER 3 SOCIAL NETWORK ANALAYSIS AND CRIME INTELLIGENCEIntroductionAre Intelligence Analysts Using Social Network Analysis?Application of Social Network Analysis in Intelligence-led PolicingKey Actors and Network VulnerabilitiesAvenues of EnquiryLink and Attribute WeightsWhen to Apply Social Network Analysis?ConclusionCHAPTER 4 SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CRIMINAL NETWORKSIntroductionSizeDate ChallengesIncompletenessIncorrectnessInconsistenciesData TransformationFuzzy BoundariesDynamicConclusionCHAPTER 5 SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND THE ORGANISATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: INVESTIGATIVE FOCUSIntroductionInvestigation SizeProsecution-OrientedReactive vs. Proactive InvestigationsConclusionCHAPTER 6 SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND THE ORGANISATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: WORKING RELATIONSHIPSIntroductionAnalysts and DetectivesAnalysts and ManagersConclusionCHAPTER 7 SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND THE ORGANISATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: IT SOFTWARE, SYSTEMS AND TRAININGIntroductionIT Software and SystemsTrainingConclusionCHAPTER 8 - CONCLUSION: SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CRIMINAL NETWORKS AND LAW ENFORCEMENTIntroductionWhether and How Analysts Apply Social Network AnalysisThe Characteristics of Criminal Networks in Operational EnvironmentsThe Impact of the Organisational Characteristics of Law Enforcement AgenciesFinal Comments