Preventing Organized Crime Originating from Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

• In Event: Research Network on Biker Crime: Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, Friends, Foes or Folk Devils?

Abstract

This paper will discuss how a holistic model of crime prevention can be applied to crime originating from motorcycle clubs such as the Hells Angels, Bandidos, Outlaws, Mongols MC and Coffin Cheaters, commonly referred to as “outlaw motorcycle gangs” or “1 per center clubs”. These clubs may be seen as examples of how an oppositional subculture can develop in the direction of providing a basis for criminal activities, and in many cases, for organized crime. However, the extent to which these clubs are criminal organizations in the strict sense of the term is highly disputed. The degree to which the clubs are involved in organized crime also varies greatly. In some countries these outlaw MC clubs nevertheless constitutes major crime problems in terms of armed conflicts, shoot-outs and bombings in public spaces and heavy involvement in various criminal activities. The police in different countries and even in different police districts have varied considerably in the ways they have dealt with these outlaw MC clubs and the criminal activities associated with them. Some police forces have mainly applied a repressive criminal justice approach whereas others have put more emphasis on dialogue, prevention and harm reduction. This article will argue for a comprehensive approach which combines “soft” and “hard” measures, based on a holistic model of crime prevention. Such a holistic approach reduces the need to rely on repressive approaches alone.

Author

• Tore Bjørgo, Center for Research on Extremism, University of Oslo