This study analyzed the usefulness of applying a Social Network Analysis (SNA) to the investigation of organized criminal groups by using the technique to examine the structure of an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) operating in Canada.
The results indicated that SNA can be effectively used to aid law enforcement investigations of organized criminal groups. SNA should be used to enhance intelligence-led policing, not replace it, and can be effective when the goal is to disrupt or dismantle a criminal group. In the current case, the social network analysis of an OMG in Canada revealed that key figures in a criminal organization may not be those who hold formal leadership roles. Data were collected from Canadian intelligence agencies responsible for intelligence data on organized crime groups. Due to the sensitive nature of the data, all dates were omitted by the intelligence agencies. Data provided information on three OMG networks chosen for their close proximity and similarity of function. Smallest Space Analysis (SSA) was employed to develop a matrix illustrating the associations between the members of the network. Calculations of centrality, closeness, and network cliques are presented and key communication channels flowing through the networks are examined. The authors note that the amount of information able to be included in a social network analysis is limited only by the information collection process. The use of association-based information can enhance a social network analysis, such as telephone records and directional data. Figures, tables, references