A criminologist is someone who studies criminals and those accused of breaking the law’s behavior patterns, backgrounds, and sociological trends. This person’s work is critical to a variety of organizations — police departments, courts, and community safety organizations, to name a few — and the research he or she conducts may help prevent crimes as well as better understand and work with criminals. Although the field is broad, professionals from a variety of backgrounds and interests can often find a niche. Most criminologists have university degrees in sociology and criminal procedure, often at the graduate level, though the field is broad and professionals from a variety of backgrounds and interests can often find a niche.
The Range of Work Available
The field of criminology encompasses a wide range of specialties, making it difficult to pin down a “typical” member of the profession. A criminologist may attend a crime scene, witness autopsies, or interview suspects, depending on his or her focus; he or she may also assist police in developing a profile to catch a wanted criminal. Some professionals work as researchers for local and national governments, while others work as private consultants, security company employees, or law enforcement liaisons. These experts may also work with lawyers and courts to provide expert testimony in court cases, or they may work in a corrections system or prison to help convicts rehabilitate and develop crime prevention programs. A lot is determined one’s personal interests and educational background.
Workplace Profiling
Regardless of the specialty, profiling and data collection are essential aspects of the job. A criminologist devotes a significant amount of time to researching past crimes, noting who committed them, when they occurred, and possibly why. The main goal is usually to build a composite of a specific criminal, taking into account psychological behavior, environmental factors, and economic indicators such as education.
These data are then transformed into active profiles, which police and others can use to help predict crimes and potentially dangerous situations, or at the very least gain a better understanding of why criminals act the way they do. However, in order for this information to be useful, it must be precise, which means that people working in this field typically need to have a formal understanding of statistics and complex math.
In well-publicized or high-profile cases, criminologists may spend time speaking with the media, working with the public, and even writing books about their experiences and findings. The majority of the time, however, this professional’s day-to-day work — even if they’re working on a high-profile case — is far from glamorous. The legwork that goes into the job, such as collecting, cataloging, and researching, is usually done in isolation and can be quite tedious and slow.
Incorporation into the criminal justice system and court proceedings
The majority of profiling and reporting work revolves around police investigations and criminal trials. Criminologists may consult with arresting officers, share information with detectives, or assist investigators in piecing together the characteristics of people on a “most wanted” list. They are frequently called to testify in court, which can assist judges and juries in understanding how certain crimes should be viewed in a larger social context.
Roles in Research, Academics, and Teaching
Some criminologists focus on research in order to gain a better understanding of broader trends. Many of these professionals work in academia, teaching college or university courses; others devote their lives to public service, volunteering at community outreach centers or working in schools in high-crime areas. Local leaders benefit from outreach-minded crime experts who help them understand the patterns that lead to deviant behavior and, more importantly, how to recognize and even stop these trends.
Intersections with Related Professions
Criminologists, forensic psychologists, and criminal analysts have a lot in common, and the three fields overlap in a number of ways. The main distinctions are in terms of training and primary focus. Criminologists frequently use psychology in their work, and they are frequently involved in piecing together crimes and solving police mysteries, but they are most concerned with the basic sociological pattern of crimes that emerges over time. Statistical reasoning, rather than criminal justice or psychology, is emphasized in their education.
Essential Job Requirements
Formal education in criminal justice, statistics, or mathematics is almost always required to get started in the field. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree is required, though an associate’s degree — such as one obtained from a community college — is sufficient in many cases. Many of the most in-demand and well-paid professionals hold a master’s or doctoral degree, as these advanced degrees provide more opportunities for advancement and expertise development. A lot depends on the individual and his or her professional goals.
Academic learning is important, but it is rarely sufficient on its own. Criminologists are most effective when they have a genuine interest in human nature and a desire to help society improve. A strong ethical sense, good communication skills, and a creative, analytical mind are also required.