The Study of Criminology

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminals, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. In the United States, it is taught chiefly in departments of criminology and criminal justice of colleges and universities. Criminologists study factors related to crime. Research in criminology involves fields such as sociology, psychology, and psychiatry. Law enforcement greatly depends on criminology. Often, the best method of treating offenders and ways to prevent crime are determined by criminologists. There are …

…reach criminology at universities and colleges. Many social workers are employed in the general area of criminology. Parole and probation officers must have a knowledge of criminology. Personnel trained in criminology also work in crime prevention programs and in the treatment of offenders. Lawyers, judges, and prison superintendents also should have some knowledge of criminology. In the United States, the major professional organization for criminologists is the American Society of Criminology, which was founded in 1941.