Exploring Co-offending Networks: Multilevel and Longitudinal Approaches.

This paper examines co-offending networks using arrest records of a large police precinct in New York City (2002-06). It focuses on the tie and individual-level covariates of criminal involvement. In addition to the exploration of multilevel models, this research also studies the dynamics of co-offending ties over time. Results show significant patterns of homophily (e.g., ties among individuals with the same demographic attributes) as well as relatively low specialization in the range and seriousness of offenses. Although the longitudinal analysis of these networks is challenged by its heightened instability, there is some indication of significant structural patterns such as the transitivity of co-offending ties. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]