Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs A Theoretical Perspective

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs are increasingly seen as a threat to communities around the world. They are a visible threat as a recognizable symbol of deviance and violence. This book discusses the social context within which Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs and groups have emerged and the implication of labelling these groups as deviant and outlaw. There is no doubt that members of these clubs have been involved in serious criminal activity and this book explores whether gang and organised crime theory can effectively explain their criminal activities. Importantly, the book also assesses policing and political responses to the clubs' activities. It argues that there is an increasing need for national and international cooperation on the part of law enforcement agencies with various levels of government as well as the private sector. Importantly, the book offers suggestions for the best responses to the crimes committed by members of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.

Mark Lauchs is Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, Australia. He is a former bureaucrat with almost two decades experience in policy and research. He publishes in the fields of organized crime and corruption. He is also the presenter of the New Books in Terrorism and Organized Crime podcast.

Andy Bain is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Mount Union, USA, following nine years with the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, University of Portsmouth, UK. His current research interests include tattoo and culture, gangs and coded language; gangs and gang membership, social-psychology of offending and risk-taking behaviour, and the (psychological) investigation of criminal behaviour.

Peter Bell is Senior Lecturer at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, Australia. He has more than 30 years of operational experience in combating TOC, has published extensively on the topic and held senior positions in state and federal agencies in Australia and Canada.

1. Introduction

2. History of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

3. Organized Crime and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

4. Gang Theory and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

5. Policing Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs – The 'One Percenters'

6. Political Responses

7. Conclusion