Offense specialization among outlaw motorcycle gang members: Comparing specialization metrics
Date
2024
Authors
Wolbers, H.
Cubitt, T.
Morgan, A.
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Journal article
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Journal of Criminal Justice, 2024; 95:102296-1-102296-14
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Heather Wolbers, Timothy Cubitt, Anthony Morgan
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Abstract
Purpose: We examine the extent of offense specialization among outlaw motorcycle gang affiliates across Australia using a multi-metric approach, and by doing so compare diverse measures of specialization. Methods: The sample consisted of 19,633 offenses, committed by 2283 affiliates of outlaw motor cycle gangs (OMCGs), disaggregated into four offense categories: ongoing criminal enterprise, short-term instrumental, violence and intimidation, and other offenses against person. Six specialization metrics were employed to measure specialization among the full sample of affiliates and relevant subgroups. Results: Of the six metrics employed to measure specialization, five suggested a high degree of versatility in offending among OMCG affiliates. Results were inconsistent across metrics when examining levels of specialization among subgroups of OMCG affiliates, and across offense categories. Conclusions: OMCGs are highly versatile in their offending, demonstrating the importance of interventions targeting organized, violent and lower-level volume crime. However, different measures of specialization yielded inconsistent results and appeared to be measuring different constructs. The suitability of metrics is dependent on the nature of the data and research question of interest. Future specialization research should employ a multimetric approach to thoroughly explore specialization and improve the ability for cross study comparisons.
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© 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.