What Does a Criminologist Do?

Criminologists study the causes of crime and the factors that influence criminal behavior. They may also examine how different societies respond to crime and how these responses affect future crime rates. Criminologists work in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, corrections, academia, and private industry.

Criminologists are often called upon to provide expert testimony in court cases related to crimes or other violations of the law. Their testimony is based on their research into patterns of human behavior and their analysis of data related to past crimes and criminals.

Criminologist Job Duties

Criminologists have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Conducting interviews with suspects, victims, witnesses, and other individuals involved in a case
• Preparing reports on findings and conclusions based on research and analysis of data
• Consulting with legal professionals such as attorneys and judges on issues related to criminal law
• Conducting surveys to identify key trends in criminal activity in specific regions or communities
• Investigating crime scenes and collecting physical evidence to determine what occurred during an incident
• Evaluating the effectiveness of criminal justice programs, legislation, and public policies to identify potential improvements or areas of concern
• Interpreting data from surveys, interviews, and field work to identify patterns in criminal activity and make recommendations for changes
• Conducting research on emerging issues in criminal activity such as technology use by criminals or new methods of crime prevention
• Identifying risk factors that may lead to criminal behavior in individuals or groups of people

Criminologist Salary & Outlook

Criminologists’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of organization they work for. Those who work in private industry typically earn more than those who work for government agencies or non-profit organizations.

• Median Annual Salary: $52,500 ($25.24/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of criminologists is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Criminologists will be needed to help address the needs of a growing population in prisons and jails. In addition, continued interest in the causes of crime and ways to prevent it may lead to more jobs for criminologists.

Related: Criminologist Interview Questions and Answers

Criminologist Job Requirements

A criminologist typically has the following qualifications:

Education: Criminologists need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science or a related field. Many criminologists choose to pursue a master’s degree in criminology or a related field to increase their job opportunities and earning potential.

Those who want to work in the federal government must have a doctorate in criminology or a related field. Criminologists who want to teach at the university level must also have a doctorate.

Training & Experience: Criminologists receive most of their training through their education. They may also receive on-the-job training in entry-level positions, such as research assistants or analysts.

Certifications & Licenses: Criminologists need to earn a license to operate in their field. Each state has a different exam that can qualify criminologists to apply their expertise to the legal system.

Criminologist Skills

Criminologists need the following skills in order to be successful:

Research: Criminologists need research skills to gather information about criminal behavior and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies. They also need research skills to study criminal cases and analyze data to determine the root causes of criminal behavior. This can help them develop solutions to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Communication: Criminologists communicate with a variety of people, including law enforcement, victims, suspects, witnesses, colleagues and the public. They use verbal and written communication skills to explain complex theories and evidence to law enforcement and the public. They also use communication skills to interview suspects and witnesses and to explain investigative processes to colleagues.

Critical thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make a decision based on the information you have. Criminologists use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions about their work. They may use critical thinking to determine the best way to gather evidence, interpret data or solve a crime.

Observation: Criminologists use observation skills to notice small details that others might miss. They use these details to help them solve crimes and predict criminal behavior. For example, they might notice a small scratch on a suspect’s car that helps them identify the suspect. They might also notice a change in a suspect’s behavior that indicates they’re lying.

Ethics: Criminologists need to have strong ethics to ensure they abide by the law and respect the rights of others. They also need to have ethical practices when conducting research and experiments. Criminologists should also have ethical practices when working with law enforcement to ensure they don’t violate any laws.

Criminologist Work Environment

Criminologists work in a variety of settings, including police departments, federal agencies, prisons, probation and parole offices, and private businesses. They may also work in colleges and universities, teaching and conducting research. Many criminologists work for the government as research analysts, statisticians, or policy advisors. Some criminologists work as consultants to private businesses, providing them with advice on security matters and crime prevention. Criminologists typically work a standard 40-hour week, although they may be required to work overtime to complete reports or to meet with clients. They may also travel to attend conferences or to conduct research in other areas.

Criminologist Trends

Here are three trends influencing how criminologists work. Criminologists will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Use of Technology in the Criminal Justice System

The use of technology in the criminal justice system is a trend that criminologists should be aware of. This trend is being driven by the increasing popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices, which allow people to communicate and access information from anywhere.

As technology becomes more prevalent in the criminal justice system, criminologists will need to learn how to use these tools to their advantage. This may include developing new methods for investigating crimes or tracking criminals.

More Collaboration Between Law Enforcement and Academia

There has been a growing trend towards collaboration between law enforcement and academia in recent years. This trend is due to the realization that both parties have something to offer each other: law enforcement can provide academic institutions with valuable data and insights, while academics can provide law enforcement with a deeper understanding of the social and cultural factors that influence crime.

Criminologists can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in the field of criminal justice. By doing so, they can help law enforcement agencies make better decisions and understand the root causes of crime. In addition, criminologists can also become educators and teach future law enforcement professionals about the latest trends in criminal justice.

A Greater Focus on Victim Services

Crime victims are increasingly receiving greater attention from the criminal justice system. This is due to the fact that victim services are now seen as an essential part of the process, as they can help to ensure that victims are given the support they need after a crime has been committed.

Criminologists can take advantage of this trend by becoming experts in victim services. This will allow them to provide valuable advice and support to victims and help them navigate the criminal justice system.

How to Become a Criminologist

A career as a criminologist can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to make a difference in society by helping to prevent crime and find solutions to problems related to crime. You’ll also have the chance to work with a variety of people, from police officers to social workers.

To become a criminologist, you’ll need a graduate degree in criminal justice or a related field. Many universities offer programs in criminology, so you should research your options carefully before choosing one. As you progress in your career, you may want to specialize in a particular area of criminology, such as forensic science or victimology.

Advancement Prospects

Criminologists can advance their careers by pursuing higher levels of education, such as a master’s degree or doctorate. Those with advanced degrees may find positions as college professors or researchers. Some criminologists work in the private sector, providing consulting services to businesses and government agencies. Others work for nonprofit organizations or think tanks, conducting policy-oriented research.

Criminologists with law degrees may become prosecutors or defense attorneys. Those with degrees in psychology may work as counselors or therapists, treating criminals and victims of crime. Criminologists with strong writing and communication skills may find positions as journalists or authors.

Criminologist Job Description Example

As a criminologist at [CompanyX], you will be responsible for the scientific study of crime and criminals. This will include the development and testing of theories about why crime occurs, as well as the identification, description, and analysis of crime patterns. You will also be responsible for the development and evaluation of programs and policies designed to prevent or reduce crime. In addition, you will be expected to contribute to the development of [CompanyX]’s crime database, and to provide expert testimony in court when necessary.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background in the scientific study of crime, as well as experience working with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. He or she will be an excellent communicator, both written and oral, and will be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct research on crime and criminals to develop theories of criminal behavior
• Collect data through observation, interviews, surveys, and other methods
• Analyze data using statistical methods and computer software
• Write reports and present findings to clients or law enforcement officials
• Develop profiles of offenders to assist in investigations
• testify as an expert witness in court
• Advise police departments on the best ways to prevent and solve crimes
• Work with social service agencies to develop programs for at-risk youth
• Study the effects of drugs, alcohol, and mental illness on criminal behavior
• Examine the impact of poverty, racism, and other social factors on crime
• Investigate the causes of white-collar crime
• Plan and implement research projects

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminology, sociology, psychology, or related field
• Master’s degree in criminology, sociology, psychology, or related field preferred
• 4-6 years of experience working in a law enforcement agency or related field
• Strong research and writing skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in criminology, sociology, psychology, or related field
• Experience teaching at the college level
• Familiarity with statistical software programs, such as SPSS or SAS
• Working knowledge of foreign languages