What is criminology? What do criminologists do? What are some of the employment opportunities available in the field of criminology?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There are many definitions of criminology. This text defines criminology as "an interdisciplinary profession built around the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior, including their forms, causes, legal aspects, and control." This definition was chosen because it includes many of the elements in the definitions provided by earlier writers as well as recognizing the increasingly professional status of the criminological enterprise.

A criminologist is defined in the text as one who is trained in the field of criminology; also, one who studies crime, criminals, and criminal behavior. There are many professional opportunities for individuals with degrees in criminology. Academic and research criminologists generally hold doctoral degrees in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field, and most teach criminology or related subjects in institutions of higher learning and are involved in research and/or writing projects by which they strive to advance criminological knowledge. Some are strictly researchers and work for federal agencies (e.g., the National Institute of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention) or private research organizations (e.g., RAND, Search Group, Inc., the Police Foundation).

People with degrees in criminology may work in the criminal justice system in policing, in probation and parole agencies, in court-support activities, in corrections, or may enter private security. They may also work for government agencies interested in the development of effective social policy intended to deter or combat crime. Other options include going to law school, teaching high school, providing expertise to civic organizations, working for politicians and legislative bodies, or becoming involved in public advocacy.