ABSTRACT
Bank robbery often requires more than one person to be involved. Simulating the planning of a robbery is therefore is a very interesting basis for considering the social psychology of criminal activity. This includes exploring how criminal groups are formed and their organisation, which includes the different roles that may be taken before, during, and after the crime. For this study plans of banks are provided (although there are plenty of such plans available on the Internet). Each small group of researchers is required to go through the motions of deciding which bank to rob and then work out how they would rob that particular place. While doing this they are encouraged to monitor their own activities and the different roles they would undertake. The basis for these different roles in the experiences and skills of the participants is explored. Out of this experience consideration can be given to the different ways in which criminals can interact. The implications this can have for their responses when they get caught are also considered. The differences between groups, teams, and networks are discussed, as well as the meaning of ‘organised crime’. The significance of criminality as a social process is highlighted.
