Social network analysis identifies and explains criminal behavior and criminal groups as an outcome of social relationships that are structured beyond the characteristics of individuals engaged in crime. This chapter takes stock of research using social network analysis to study criminal organizations and groups of criminals, considers the innovations in measuring criminal groups, discusses the limitations of criminal network data, and classifies theoretical orientations used in the field. The chapter discusses the implications of criminal networks research on policy and intervention efforts. The chapter concludes with a proposal for future directions to advance inquiry into criminal networks.
Social network analysis: the use of graph distances to compare artificial and criminal networks
