NCJ Number
239928
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: Autumn 2012 Pages: 264-282
Date Published
2012
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The aim of this study was to test, examine and consider the usefulness of social network analysis (SNA) as a principal approach for the analysis and investigation of criminal and terrorist organizations.
Abstract
The need to tackle organized crime and terrorism threats indicates, among other things, the importance of analyzing efficiently and effectively the patterns of criminal ties. Social network analysis (SNA) offers conceptual frameworks, techniques and software tools to measure and visualize empirical networks of any kind. The aim of this study was to test, examine and consider the usefulness of SNA as a principal approach for the analysis and investigation of criminal and terrorist organizations. Two quasi-experiments were deployed, using a conceptual analytical framework consisting of topological, cohesive subgroups, centrality and key player measures, to see whether the application of network concepts and techniques can help law enforcement and intelligence agencies understand and derive meaning from complex and/or large datasets. The results confirmed the research hypothesis and key conclusions were drawn. It was found that SNA is a quite effective and reliable approach that gives both investigators and analysts the power to know criminal and terrorist network structures. Clearly, SNA can influence a new way of thinking and improve professional practice through the development of intelligence-led applications. The study furthers understanding regarding the use of network concepts and techniques for crime analysis and investigation, and it can be used to inform decisions about SNA programs and technologies. (Published Abstract)