Criminologist
In 1885 a Italian professor Raffaele coined the term , "Criminology" . The main work done by Cesare Beccaria (father of criminal law) and Jeremy Benthan in criminology , they were concerned with reforming criminal laws and their ideology were to deal the criminal with humanitarian aspects.
What is a criminologist
Criminologist is the person who study social behavior of human and do it under service of law enforcement. He research and work to explain the possible reasons for any crime/criminal actions and suggest the norms to reduce crime . He is the person who research , investigates , provided/develop theories regarding crime and criminals .
The basic requirements for a criminologist is that he must be think critically , analytically with scientific temperament , excellence in verbal expressions and writing skills . He interested in the study of human behavior and has patience to work with disadvantage people.
A criminologist examine various topics which related to crime/criminals . The main aim is to find the root cause of crime with its social roots and its impact .
How to become a criminologist
To become a criminologist the first step is to pass the 12th class examination having a science or arts subjects.
The next step is to complete a degree in criminology. Institutes provides a B.A/ B.Sc degree in criminology and parapsychology.
You can also pursue a degree in criminal justice , sociology , forensic science , political science and in psychology. Admissions to the university is either through merit or the criteria/process decided by the university. Students also pursue a law program and then take criminology as special field in postgraduate programme.
For professional workspace you can have Master's degree in criminology. Some universities having specific courses in criminology and some have forensic science in conjunction with criminology.
In some countries if you have experience as corrections officer then you can do your post graduation without a degree.
This field offered various courses from diploma to doctoral level...
You can do
Certificate course (forensic science)
Diploma course (forensic science and criminology)
Diploma in criminal law
Diploma in criminology & penology.
Diploma in cyber crime.
The good thing is online programmes are also available in every level of education regarding criminal justice field.
Study abroad -
An Indian student who wants to become criminologist also pursue his study abroad in criminology. Some abroad universities not have any subject consideration but some have particular subject consideration as part of eligibility. Science or humanities are two subjects considered by the university in general conditions. There are many universities in UK , USA and Singapore. From country to country admissions process is vary.
The field of criminology is very diverse having multidisciplinary subjects and collaboration.
The areas that criminology cover is -
Social phenomenon of crime and its patterns in different cultures(comparative criminology)
Crime types
Causes of crime
Frequency and location of crime
Prevention of crime
Statistics of crime
Behavior of criminal
Career and desistance of criminal
Social reaction
Domestic violence
Evaluation of agencies related to criminal justice
Juvenile delinquency
Penology
Sociology of law
Victimology etc
Criminologist job
As a career opportunities you can become a ...
1) Criminologist
2) Police Officer
3) Detective
4) Probation officer
5) Crime scene officer
6) Social worker
7) Prison officer
8) Lecturer
9) Legal assistant
10) Mental health counselors
11) Forensic science technician
12) Forensic psychologist
13) Polygraph examiner
Job possibility in organisations like CBI , RAW , NHRC , NCPCR , BPR&D . legal field or law courts and for bank/insurance company and as consultants. A criminologist also work in psychology field to study offending behavior by person . Victim support services is also an area or work for rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders .
The job duties
The job duties are different from day to day . The duties includes analyzing data , search and identify case histories and patterns and on other day you will be called for a crime scene.
Some general duties includes
To appraise the methods employed by justice systems .
Analysis trends that are in criminal behavior and crime.
Research on the behavior of criminals .
Helping and providing information to law enforcement agencies and officials about the crime.
Analysis the current policies and helping to develop new strategies on crime policies.
Examine the operations of criminal justice agencies.
Conducting research for abnormal behavior of criminals and there impact on social life.
The pros and cons
A progressive career after taking experience of your job. Good salary . Right education and having experience of the field bring the change in legal and social system. You have the opportunity to impact the system of punishment and bring the reform.
Criminologist starting salary is average. Challenging surroundings, dealing with criminals .
Conclusion
Its a new age career. Day by day crime is increasing and the demands and need of criminologist will be increased.
MR. DEEPAK PAWAR has been working as Finger Print Expert / Police Officer in Finger Print Bureau , Delhi Police at New Delhi since 2001 . He is the senior most Finger Print Expert , attending / visited several scene of crime and solved many crime cases .He has passed M.Sc (Chemistry) and he is the Member of International Association of Identification . He is the Member of Delhi Police welfare association . He is supervising the Forensic , New Delhi District , Mobile Crime Team . He is one of the Expert in the Special Investigation Team held for investigation of important cases . He has been giving fingerprint proficient training to Delhi Police personnel's . He has been Presented / giving lectures on topics related to forensic science . He is also making examination paper of Finger Print proficient course . He is awarded with Police Medal by MHA and Delhi Police.