Although Forensic science and criminology both approach issues of crime
and criminal behavior from a scientific viewpoint, the two disciplines
are quite different. Criminology and forensic science differ in scope
and application. Forensic science applies the tools and methods of the
natural sciences, especially biology and chemistry, to issues of a legal
nature. They collect evidence at crime scenes and analyze the materials
in laboratories. Forensic science is thus an applied natural science.
Criminology, in contrast, is a specialized social science that evolved
from sociology. Criminology uses sociological theories and methods to
study criminal behavior and how societies respond to crime.
Criminology is the scientific study of social crimes, criminals and criminal
behavior, crime regulations and crime prevention methodology. The field
of study known as criminology involves the studying of crime as a phenomenon
on an individual as well as at a social level. Approaching from a socio-scientific
point of view, Criminology involves the study of various forms of crime,
the reasons working behind an incidence of crime, and its consequences.
In other words, it examines society's response to crime and prevention
of crime. It is the scientific investigation of crime through analysis
of evidence. Criminology includes the examination of evidence, hereditary
and psychological causes of crime, various modes of investigation and
conviction and the efficiencies of differing styles of punishment, rehabilitation
and corrections. Criminology involves studying all these aspects associated
with crime in general. Criminology is the study of factors of criminality.
In other sense, it is evaluating the circumstances that provoked to do
the crime and preventing/regulating future chances to do such crime. Criminology
being an interdisciplinary subject, it derives its theory from the fields
of sociology, psychology and law. Causes of crime and methods of preventing
crime are the two most important aspects of the study of criminology.
Other areas of interest in this field of study are - Crime Statistics,
Criminal Behavior, Penology, Evaluation of criminal justice agencies,
Sociology of Law, Criminal careers and desistance.
A person professionally qualified in the subject of criminology is called
a criminologist. The primary task of criminologists is to determine the
reasons why people get into committing illegal activities. With the increasing
numbers of crime and rapid diversification in the nature of it, criminology
is gaining importance in today's society. So if you are interested in
the study of criminology or criminal justice, then you can become a criminologist.
Criminologists often focus on specific types of crimes. Some work with
murders, some with armed robbery, others with vandalism, some with rape,
others with serial crimes of different sorts. They study as many cases
as possible, and use the results to formulate theories which can in turn
be useful in preventing crimes in the future. Professional may alternatively
specialize in crime prevention, crime scene investigation, criminal litigation,
corrections, rehabilitation, or the privatization of prisons.
The responsibilities and requirements differ drastically from one job
to another. There are criminology administration jobs that require organization
skills, as well as court reporter jobs that require excellent writing
skills and knowledge of the justice system. Criminologists and investigators
need certain specialized skills, such as keen observation and logical
thinking skills. All jobs in the field of criminology require absolute
trust in the legal system, as well as integrity in upholding truth and
justice.
