Criminologist

Criminologists examine the systems by which people accused of crimes are brought to justice, attempt to explain the reasons for criminal behaviour and suggest ways crime might be reduced.

Criminologists may perform the following tasks:

• study the ways certain criminal justice agencies operate including the law courts, police services, prisons and community-based correction centres
• analyse and interpret data received on the incidence of crime and the operation of the justice system
• provide information about crime and the ways in which people are processed by the criminal justice system
• catalogue information about the possible causes of crime and the crimes committed
• compile crime statistics and develop ways in which crime solving resources can be best used
• analyse and develop crime policy and prevention strategies
• evaluate all aspects of crime and the criminal justice system
• research criminological issues such as those pertaining to offenders, victims of crime and sentencing.

Specialisations:

Criminologists may specialise in organisational research, victimology, policing strategies, corporate crime or juvenile justice. They may work in the legal field, which tries to make sure that laws keep up with changes in society. They may also work in the social/psychological fields, which study the effects of the criminal justice system or the factors which contribute to offending behaviour by individuals.

Personal Requirements:

• analytical ability
• personal integrity
• interested in welfare and human behaviour
• interested in working with disadvantaged groups.

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