Tactical Social Network Analysis: Using Affiliation Networks to Aid Serial Homicide Investigation. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bichler, Gisela; Lim, Steven; Larin, Edgar
• Is Part Of: Homicide studies. Volume 21:Number 2(2017:May)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 158
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: social network analysis -- betweenness centrality -- crime pattern theory -- serial murder -- criminal investigations -- affiliation networks; Homicide -- Periodicals; 364.152
• DOI: 10.1177/1088767916671351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1088-7679

Abstract

Integrating crime pattern theory with tenets of social network theory, we argue that linking people who frequent the same places reveals intersecting behavioral patterns illustrative of case connectivity. Using the Green River serial murder investigation as a case study, we demonstrate that structural statistics may be useful in focusing investigative efforts. Significant shifts in the centrality of suspects emerge when we track the evolution of this case at 6-month increments, suggesting that the initial working case hypothesis misled investigators. Continued exploration into the utility of social network analysis (SNA) for tactical purposes will help advance applied criminology.