How to become A Criminologist

• Criminalist
• Profiler

What do Criminologists do?

A Criminologist would typically need to:

• Compile and analyse statistics about the causes and nature of the crime to determine criminal patterns and shared characteristics among criminals
• Conduct surveys and research interviews to compile statistical data on diverse crimes, their demographics and locations
• Use data from surveys and intelligence reports to assess the biological, social and psychological influences of criminals to understand why they commit crimes
• Visit prisons and probation services to interview and get a better handle on the mindset of offenders and ex-offenders
• Create profiles of criminal types to assist the law enforcement in identifying potential criminals, understanding their behaviour and catching them more efficiently
• Examine crime scenes and evidence and participate in autopsies to determine the course of the criminal incident and the profile category of the criminal
• Prepare reports and statistics of research findings for future reference; attend conferences and write research papers and articles to present research findings
• Use research findings to help law enforcement, community leaders, policymakers and the justice system formulate crime prevention strategies and reform policies
• Analyse the social impact of crime and define measures to address the issues; identify populations most vulnerable to crime
• Serve as consultants to the forensic department; participate in courtroom proceedings as an expert witness
• Work on crime reduction and rehabilitation programs; ensure alleged and convicted criminals receive fair and humane treatment
• Teach students and research post-secondary educational institutions, if that is where their interest lies

Some Criminologists work directly with crime scenes or criminals, while others conduct academic research on criminal behaviour. The latter divide their time between a sterile office setting or the field gathering data. Those who work in the field of criminalistics work in labs.

The work environment may be emotionally demanding when it includes prisons and rehab centres.

Overnight travel may be the norm when they have to be in the field. Criminologists who work in administration, e.g. police commissioners, have high-profile jobs that include frequent interaction with the public regarding their concerns about crime.

Criminologists generally work from 9-5, Monday to Friday, although the total number of hours per week accumulates to more than 40. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Criminologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Freelancing and self-employment are viable options.

Criminologists are generally employed by:

• The Government
• Policy Advisory Boards
• Administrative Boards
• Legislative Committees
• Privately-Funded Think Tanks For Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Criminal Equity Organisation
• Social Brain Research Labs
• Educational Institutions

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), are crucial for Criminologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Limited chances for advancement within the field
• A clean criminal record is typically mandatory
• A considerable amount of paperwork
• The first few years include less than average pay and job satisfaction
• Emotionally disturbing encounters with criminals and victims of crime
• Overnight travel may lead to a lack of work-life balance

Any academic program that a potential Criminologist takes up should ideally include a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.

Volunteering and work placements that enable you to work with adults or young people affected by the criminal justice system or victims of crime will also prove helpful in exploring options for future research or criminology specialisms.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in criminal justice or law enforcement to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

The evaluation and prediction of behaviour from incomplete information require a comprehensive and rigorous academic program. Most Criminologists have a master’s degree in criminology, sociology and abnormal/applied/forensic psychology.

Criminal justice & psychology, youth justice, law & criminology, juvenile delinquency, psychology or statistics are other fields that allow students to blend criminal science, criminal equity, humanism or brain research judiciously before embarking on research.

A PhD is essential to apply for positions at the university or college level.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in the above-mentioned subjects may aspire to become Criminologists provided they have relevant work experience in corrections or law enforcement. Graduates without such knowledge may apply for entry-level positions and can also expect to be taken on as research assistants, counsellors or government agents.

Ideal coursework would include qualitative & quantitative analysis, applied research, writing, computer science, logic, criminal justice policy, juvenile justice, capital punishment and victimology.

Focus on psychology, computer science, statistics and English in high school.

Voluntary certification from an objective and reputed organisation in violence prevention & awareness, media crisis communication, international leadership & organisational behaviour, international water law, cross-cultural communication, citizen security and justice management will help you stand out among your peers. 

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Most locations require a license from practising Criminologists. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check-in with local or national criminal justice organisations to find whether you will need licensure and the specific requirements.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of additional professional qualifications drive the career progression of Criminologists. Most begin as junior or assistant Criminologists before working their way up to Chief or Head of Criminology at their agency. 

You could also become a Senior Policy Advisor on crime and crime reductions with the government, the police or the probation service.

A role as a Specialist Researcher in particular offences such as online abuse, organised crime or youth offences is also a viable option. If you would rather have an academic career, you could apply to the post of Professor of Criminology at a university.

Criminologists with a doctorate and significant experience can become Directors of Research, Administrators of large social agencies or crime prevention projects and Police Commissioners.

Requisite professional development would equip you to move into social or probation work, a career in law or join the security services.

Candidates with a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, sociology or criminology have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Criminologist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

CPD will ease your move to a related industry; it can also help you acquire the supervisory skills that promotion to a higher post usually requires. Furthermore, CPD is essential for the regular renewal of desirable licenses and certifications. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Crime & Punishment - A Never-Ending Saga

A relatively new field, Criminology evolved from the more comprehensive study of sociology in the 19th and 20th centuries. Criminologists study and learn how to deal with crime, tasks philosophers, clergy and community leaders undertook from times immemorial. 

In Pursuit of Justice

Some Criminologists study longitudinal data about crimes, arrests and convictions to try and answer questions such as, “Are most criminals poor?” and “Why are some members of a social class more liable to commit crimes?” Their findings can help diminish crime.

Other Criminologists study the criminals and their personal histories to figure out what drove them to the criminal activity. The conclusions they draw can help at-risk individuals before they turn to crime.

Then some study the history and theories of crime along with the nature of the criminal justice system and the effect of arrest and conviction on criminals. In addition to proving that specific punishments do not deter criminals, their studies may recommend ways to reduce the influence of hardened criminals on those jailed for minor crimes.

Criminologists who favour crime detection work in criminalistics; they focus on designing and developing scientific measures such as lie detector tests and fingerprinting to help crime laboratory technicians identify criminals.

Finally, we have Criminologists who put their expertise to use as teachers and researchers at educational institutions, administrators of large social agencies or prisons, directors of crime prevention projects and police commissioners.

What is Profiling?

Criminologists whose job description includes profiling spend significant time studying past crimes to create a comprehensive picture of the criminal, comprising their psychological behaviour, environmental factors and economic indicators.

They convert the compiled data into active profiles used by law enforcement officers such as detectives to identify crime patterns and the motive behind specific crimes. High-profile cases will see the Criminologist working with the public and the media.

Since the bulk of profiling work ties in with police investigations and criminal trials, these Criminologists regularly consult with investigators and arresting officers and share essential information with them.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Criminologists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Criminologist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Aristotle first proposed that punishment should be such that it justly penalises the specific offender while discouraging others from committing a similar crime.

Some may find their job exciting; some find it interesting while others find it unpredictable; regardless, all Criminologists work towards the same end - to ensure a peaceful society with just and applicable laws to protect its members and help criminals transform themselves into valuable citizens.  

“Within criminology, a fine balance exists between doing research we are passionate about and research that society needs. There are always more questions to be asked and more answers to be found, but only so much time and opportunity.”

Dr Diarmaid Harkin