Untangling SNA: The Use and Underuse of Social Network Analysis Among Crime Analysts

While research has long demonstrated the potential of social network analysis (SNA) for criminal intelligence, empirical studies have revealed a growing gap between theory and practice. This study examines the role, prospects, and challenges of using SNA in criminal intelligence, addressing two primary questions: (1) How is SNA being used in criminal intelligence units in law enforcement agencies? and (2) What do analysts perceive as the challenges in SNA’s integration in policing? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Canadian crime analysts who reported experience with SNA. The findings highlight that analysts utilize SNA mainly for visualization and target prioritization purposes. However, analysts frequently reported a gap between the perceived potential of SNA and their ability to incorporate it into routine intelligence. In response to these challenges, analysts suggested required areas for reform, such as comprehensive and tiered training, and automated software to support the integration of SNA.