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Praxis and the disruption of organized crime groups

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Abstract

Although reports state the frequency of general crime has fallen across the developed world, no such trend is evident within organised crime. This has caused law enforcement agencies to search for more innovative approaches to tackle this global problem. Emerging prominently within this period has been a ‘disruption’ approach, albeit little systematic research currently supports its use. This study explores the way one English Police Force has tackled 15 Organised Crime Groups (99 individuals), using this type of approach. The study specifically examines the characteristics of the offender, the tactics used, and the re-offending levels following the police activity. It concludes by highlighting: the methodological challenges associated with the measurement of organised crime disruption; the ethical questions surrounding this type of intervention; and the overall effectiveness of the approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Forensic and Applied Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, UK

    Stuart Kirby

  2. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4YT, UK

    Nicki Snow

Authors
  1. Stuart Kirby
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  2. Nicki Snow
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Correspondence to Stuart Kirby.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Author A (corresponding author) declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Author B declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Kirby, S., Snow, N. Praxis and the disruption of organized crime groups. Trends Organ Crim 19, 111–124 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-016-9269-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-016-9269-0

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