"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"--.

• Cover
• Understanding Criminal Networks
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• 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