What Jobs Are In Criminology?

Before I start to discuss the careers and opportunities in criminology, it would be most appropriate for me to explain what it stands for. When I dissect the meaning, you have a better understanding of whatever you read on it, whether here or in some other places. Criminology (which is in the field of sociology, the science or study of society) is the scientific study of crime, criminals, criminal behavior, and corrections. It also examines prevention of crime and society’s response to crime. Criminology includes the examination of evidence, hereditary and psychological causes of crime, various modes of investigation, conviction, and the efficacy of differing styles of punishment, rehabilitation, and corrections (Inglish, 2016). Earl Crowe (2018) on his own part says criminology “is the scientific study of crime, including its causes, responses by law enforcement, and methods of prevention.” There are many fields of study that are used in the field of criminology, including biology, statistics, psychology, psychiatry, economics, and anthropology.

Just as criminology is a sub-group of sociology, criminology itself has several sub-groups, including:

• Penology: the study of prisons and prison systems
• Bio criminology: the study of the biological basis of criminal behavior
• Feminist criminology: the study of women and crime
• Criminalistics: the study of crime detection (Crowe, 2018).

There are many different theories of criminology that have developed throughout the past 250 years or so, and while some have fallen out of popularity, others are still thought relevant today. The creation of criminology as a field of study can be tracked as far back as the 18th century, when two social theorists, Cesare Beccaria in Italy and Jeremy Bentham in England, each pushed the idea that the punishment should be so severe that the criminal would decide that the pleasure of the criminal act would not be worth the pain of the punishment. This was known as the classical school of criminology.

During the early 19th century, criminologists started to argue that the classical school of criminology does not differentiate between varying degrees of crimes. These criminologists were known as the positivists. The positivists believed that the punishment should fit the criminal, not the crime. However, for moral reasons, the theory failed before it became full blown (Crowe, 2018).

Now, let’s talk about the careers in criminology and see how far that can get you motivated.

Criminologist. Perhaps the most notable career available to criminology majors, of course, is that of a criminologist. Though a master’s or doctorate degree is typically required, criminologists specialize in a number of different areas, such as environmental criminology. They have also been responsible for improving police activities and functions through innovations such as community-oriented policing and predictive policing. Criminologists work in a variety of environments, including: colleges or university, think-tanks, legislative bodies, and public policy areas. Criminologists may work as college professors or as advisors to state legislatures or Congress. They help form public policy as it relates to the prevention of crime. They often work closely with police departments to help them better serve their communities (Roufa, 2018).

Since this is the most pronounced career in criminology, let me spend some time here to enumerate the qualifications one needs to be a criminologist. A criminologist is a sociologist and must therefore be interested in human beings and their well-being. Human beings must not be, or become, merely objects to a criminologist. This is because the purpose of the field, as it is with all of sociology, is to make the quality of life better for all.

A criminologist must be able to express ideas and concepts clearly, both in writing and in person. They must be computer-literate and proficient on the internet, especially in applications related to criminology. A criminologist may need to address large groups of people and demonstrate good public speaking skills. They need to be focused, creative, analytical, logical, adept at problem solving, and dedicated to the profession of criminology and its goals of improving the criminal rehabilitation system and preventing crime. A criminologist must be interested in society as a whole and especially in victims of crime and in disadvantaged individuals and groups that may contain a larger proportion of victims or crime-related behavior than the general population (Inglish, 2018).

Forensic psychologist. Another fascinating career field for aspiring criminology majors may be found in forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists may work in a number of different environments and job titles, including: criminal profiler, jury consultant, expert witness, prison psychologist, and psychological investigative services. To work as a forensic psychologist, a master’s degree or a doctorate in psychology will often be necessary, in addition to any undergraduate degree earned (Roufa, 2018).

Forensic science technician. The main goal of a forensic scientist is to help catch, convict, or acquit crime suspects. A forensic science technician gathers and handles all the evidence from a crime scene for police departments and analyses all of them in a specialized laboratory. This would be what you typically see in the movies with analyzing blood, fingerprints or even the handwriting. Forensic scientists can make chemical and DNA tests to identify possible suspects and might also use their knowledge of ballistics to determine the type of gun that fired a particular bullet at a crime scene (Study Portals, 2018).

Parole or probation officer. Parole or probation officers work with people that spend time in prison for criminal convictions and helps them readjust to the community. This could mean support and advice on how to find a house, a new job or reconcile with their families. Probation officers will have to supervise former convicts and prevent them from repeating their unlawful behavior (Study Portals, 2018).

Police detective. Although you will not wear a police uniform, your job will be very similar to the one of a police officer, except your only duty is to conduct a murder case from top to bottom. Usually, you can become a detective after several years of experience as a police officer. Closely collaborating with forensic scientists and criminologists, you will manage the criminal activity and interview suspects, witnesses, and victims, and arrest suspects. Detectives also assist lawyers to collect evidence and confessions from anyone that might help them out in supporting their case (Study Portals, 2018).