Understanding Criminal Networks: A Research Guide

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

About the Author :
Gisela Bichler is Professor of Criminal Justice at California State University, San Bernardino. 

Review :
"Bichler provides a compelling introduction and guide to criminal networks: what they are, how they are organized, and how the tools of social network analysis may be used to understand them."