Current projects

Exploring the social networks and organisational dynamics of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) are disproportionally involved in crime, especially crime that is ‘organised’ such as drug trafficking (e.g., Barker & Human, 2009). OMCGs are increasingly a focus for law enforcement intervention and academic research (e.g., Jahnsen, 2018; Blokland, 2019). Debate continues regarding the organisational structure of such groups and the relationship between organisational structure and criminal activities (e.g., Lauchs, 2019). The current review aims to synthesise extant research regarding the relationship between OMCG organisational structure and criminal activities.

The project will review empirical studies that address the following question: What are the network and organisational structures that underpin the criminal activity of OMCGs? The review will highlight the prior use and potential utility of employing a network perspective and social network analysis to study the organisational structures and criminal activities of OMCGs.