Criminal behavior and patterns are studied in the field of criminology. The field of criminology encompasses a wide range of occupations, from victim specialists to parole officers. Some professionals in this field work as consultants, while others work for government organizations. The majority of criminologists have a criminal justice degree as well as a psychology or behavioral science background.
A criminologist who works with law enforcement, providing insight into criminal behavior and assisting in the tracking of criminals, is one of the criminology careers. To try to prevent crime, the criminologist examines criminals and victims of violent crimes. These individuals are also employed by some police agencies to prepare reports on crime statistics based on demographics such as the type of crime, the location, and the frequency with which it is committed.
A parole officer who works with prison systems is another of the many criminology careers. The primary responsibility of a parole officer is to monitor inmates who have been released from prison and to notify law enforcement if they violate their parole terms. It is also the officer’s responsibility to assist the parolee in finding work and making referrals to psychologists and doctors. Another job for this professional is to make recommendations to the court about the parolee if the officer believes he or she is becoming a danger to himself or others.
Victim specialists are another option for those interested in criminology. This professional assists victims and their families who have been victimized by a criminal. A victim specialist’s responsibilities include acting as a liaison between the family and law enforcement, as well as providing counseling to children who have been victims of violent crimes. These experts also collaborate with other professionals, such as doctors and therapists, to ensure that victims receive the medical care and therapy that they require.
Individuals who are interested in criminology careers may prefer to work as teachers. Criminology professors teach at universities and community colleges all over the world. The majority of professors deliver lectures on criminal justice and criminology topics. In addition, instructors must conduct research, attend seminars, and attend board meetings.
Most criminology jobs require candidates to have a criminology degree and a grasp of how crime affects society. Criminologists must be able to collaborate with others, including police officers, victims, and criminals. Working with the courts or prison systems requires a person to be willing to put in long hours, often under stressful conditions.