Sunday, January 27, 2008

Criminology and its Significance Today!

What is Criminology!

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminals, criminal behavior and corrections. This includes examination of evidence, hereditary and psychological causes of crime, different modes of investigation and conviction and efficiency of punishment and corrections.

What is the role of Criminologist?

A criminologist studies normal social behaviors and deviations from the norm. The criminologist is often an academic who studies crime and the law. They provide theoretical explanations of delinquent and criminal behavior, analyze criminal law and criminal behavior. A criminologist studies crime by analyzing criminal behavior and methods of criminals. Criminologists work with and for law enforcement agencies developing profiles of particular types of crimes as well as gathering statistics on crime rates. The criminologist not only studies or investigates the crimes they analyze the entire criminal justice system and its processes.

Who can become a good Criminologist?

A criminologist needs an interest in human well-being and behavior A good criminologist is also a good communicator and listener. A criminologist needs to demonstrate responsibility, creativity, analytical thinking and problem-solving.Criminologists need research and computer skills, integrity and an interest in socially disadvantaged individuals. Criminologists need a degree in the criminal justice field, preferably with a minor in psychology or sociology

What does the Criminology Courses contain?

Undergraduate courses include government, sociology, psychology, juvenile delinquency, criminal law, constitutional law and criminal theory. Additional coursework includes forensics, abnormal psychology, corrections and statistics. Coursework should include statistics, writing, computer science, and logic, .Advanced degrees are necessary for those who choose to teach or conduct professional research or for professional advancement.

What type of work Criminologist do?

Entry-level criminologists conduct data collection, report proofing, and computer work, catalogue information about the possible causes of crime and the crimes committed, compile crime statistics and propose improvements for the use of resources. Criminologists also analyze and develop crime prevention strategies.Criminologists analyze the causes of crime and how the community relates to crime. Criminologists may be involved in crime scene investigations, or attend autopsies seeking evidence and information to analyze the crime.

Are there different specializations available for a criminologist to choose from?

Criminologists may focus on specific age groups, or specific types of crimes. A criminologist may focus on crime prevention, the process of crime scene investigation, the process of criminal litigation or the process of criminal corrections. A criminologist may become a profiler who develops profiles of particular criminal activity by reviewing patterns of behavior among certain groups who commit particular crimes. Criminologists may specialize in organizational research, victimology, corporate crime or juvenile justice. Some criminologists work with community initiatives, evaluation and policy projects with federal, state and local criminal justice agencies.

Who employ Criminologists?

Universities and government agencies employ professional criminologists for advanced teaching and research and policy assessment.Most Criminologists become police officers, FBI agents, or state medical examiners. Criminologists may work in universities teaching criminology, legal studies, law and sociology Federal and state justice agencies employ criminologists as research officers and policy advisers. Criminologists are found in many different settings: airport security, corrections systems, probation or parole officers, drug enforcement agencies, FBI, US customs and other law enforcement agencies. Corporations or financial institutions, major department stores and law firms employ security officers, private investigators or social workers. Some work as consultants in the role of private investigators or security.