Using social network analysis to profile organised crime

Date

2014-09

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Institute for Security Studies

Abstract

Social network analysis avoids some of the limitations of existing approaches to mapping organized crime networks. It focuses on fluid interactions among individuals and determines social structures empirically, rather than relying on theoretical classifications – thereby avoiding some of the pitfalls in traditional thinking about organized crime. However, significant technical skill, time, and pre-existing expertise are required to generate and interpret an analysis. It also fails to account for the underlying social forces that may be crucial to network formation and functioning. It is a complex process that requires law enforcement and crime intelligence to partner with external researchers.

Description

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Keywords

PENAL SANCTIONS, SOCIAL CONTROL, ORGANIZED CRIME, CORRUPTION, SOUTH AFRICA, SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Citation

DOI