Gangs, Drugs and (Dis)Organised Crime

Analysing criminal trajectories via the lens of group offending from childhood to adulthood, this book explores gang organisation as a means for gang business in the contemporary British context. The study itself draws upon a five year study, carried out in the West of Scotland, to present in the voices of practitioners and more notably (ex)offenders the activity which gangs engage in the look to survive, operate, and expand in the illegal criminal underworld. The book is unique in that gang structure, activity, and context are analysed independently yet presents a holistic picture of what (dis)organised crime looks like in Britain today. Particular attention is paid to gang involvement in the countries illegal drug market, with unique light shed on the subject. In addition, the author explores how this illegal activity often overspills and is intertwined with the legitimate British economy. Front cover Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Tables and Figures Acknowledgements About the Author Preface Introduction: Book’s Purpose, Content and Structure Terminology Part I 1. Background Part II 2. A Review of Gang Literature 3. Scottish Gang Literature Part III 4. Rediscovering Scottish Gangs: Towards a Typology 5. Street Life, Crime and (Dis)Organised Crime 6. Gangs and Drug Supply Part IV 7. Tackling Gangs and Organised Crime, and Rethinking Drug Policy References Index Back cover Drawing upon unique empirical data based on interviews with high-profile ex-offenders and experts, this book sheds new light on drug markets and gangs in the UK. The study shows how traditional methods of tackling gang violence fail to address the intertwined nature of those criminal activities which can overlap with other organised crime spheres. McLean sparks new debate on the subject, offering solutions and alternatives. Drawing Upon Unique Empirical Data Based On Interviews With High Profile Ex-offenders And Experts, This Book Sheds New Light On Drug Markets And Gangs In The Uk. The Study Shows How Traditional Methods Of Tackling Gang Violence Fail To Address The Intertwined Nature Of Those Criminal Activities Which Can Overlap With Other Organised Crime Spheres. Mclean Sparks New Debate On The Subject, Offering Solutions And Alternatives. Drawing upon unique empirical data based on interviews with high-profile ex-offenders and experts in the field, this book sheds new light on drug markets, organised crime and gangs in the UK. McLean sparks new debate on the subject, offering solutions and alternatives for how to best tackle gang violence. Drawing upon unique empirical data based on interviews with high profile ex-offenders and experts in the field, this book sheds new light on drug markets, organized crime and gangs in the UK. McLean sparks new debate on the subject, offering solutions and alternatives for how to best tackle gang violence