Who is a Criminologist? - K. Jaishankar

*Two things prompted me to write this article. 1. An earlier article of mine, "A Poison called Criminology" (Jaishankar, 2022) and 2. a recent discussion developed by one of my linkedin connections Dr. Dayanand Sundaravadivelu, Assistant Professor of Criminology, Albany State University, USA.

Introduction

The role of a criminologist, from a purely technical perspective, refers to someone who engages in the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and society's response to it. Criminology, as a discipline, blends sociology, psychology, law, and criminal justice into a comprehensive examination of crime, criminals, and the broader social forces that influence deviant behavior. However, limiting criminology to academics and technical definitions underestimates its scope. Crime touches all facets of society, and the people dedicated to addressing it — whether through prevention, intervention, or rehabilitation — encompass a wide variety of professionals.

This article aims to broaden the definition of a criminologist to reflect the diversity of people working within and around crime and criminal behavior. It explores the multifaceted nature of criminology, the roles of academicians and practitioners, the importance of a degree in criminology, and how these varied individuals contribute to reducing crime and helping victims. Central to this discussion is the notion that a criminologist is not simply an academic studying crime but anyone working to mitigate crime, assist victims, or contribute to justice in meaningful ways.

I. The Traditional Definition: Criminologists as Academicians

Historically, criminologists have been defined as scholars and researchers working in academic settings to explore the causes, consequences, and prevention of crime. (See a list of Influential Criminologists who are traditionally academics). Criminology has evolved as an interdisciplinary science, incorporating sociology, psychology, law, forensic science and political science. Criminologists in this traditional sense engage in the following activities:

1. Researching Crime and Its Causes: Academicians in criminology study patterns of criminal behavior, the societal factors that lead to crime, and the effectiveness of laws and policies in preventing criminal activities. Through quantitative and qualitative research methods, criminologists assess the societal, psychological, and environmental influences on criminal activity, often informing public policy and legislation.
2. Understanding Deviance and Criminalization: Criminologists also focus on deviant behavior and the process by which individuals or groups become labeled as criminals. The study of deviance helps criminologists understand why certain actions are criminalized and how societal norms, laws, and regulations influence this process.
3. Evaluating Criminal Justice Policies: Academicians often play a key role in assessing the effectiveness of criminal justice policies, from policing strategies to correctional programs. By studying what works (and what doesn’t), criminologists help shape more effective and humane approaches to managing crime and criminals.

The role of the academic criminologist is crucial. Their research forms the foundation for many contemporary criminal justice policies. However, limiting criminology to this subset of professionals overlooks the vast network of individuals who, while not researchers, work daily to combat crime and aid victims.

II. Expanding the Definition: Criminologists - The Social Doctors

The technical definition of a criminologist must be broadened to include those who fight crime on a practical level. These individuals apply criminological knowledge directly to real-world problems. They are what I call “Social Doctors,” diagnosing and treating the disease of crime, as Mahatma Gandhi suggested: "All crime is a kind of disease and should be treated as such."

For this discussion, a criminologist is anyone who professes criminology, fights crime, and works for the victims of crime. This includes, but is not limited to, the following professionals:

1. Police Officers and Law Enforcement Professionals

Police officers and other law enforcement agents are among the most visible figures combating crime. Although they may not identify themselves as criminologists in the traditional academic sense, their work aligns with many of the goals of criminology. Law enforcement officers deal with offenders daily, interacting with individuals who commit crimes and applying legal and criminological principles to apprehend them.

These professionals manage offenders through criminal justice processes, from arrest to court proceedings. In many cases, they are the first responders to criminal activity, helping to protect society and maintain order. Furthermore, police officers also work with victims, supporting them and helping to gather evidence that can lead to the arrest and conviction of offenders.

Many police forces now rely on criminological research to inform their strategies, such as community policing, problem-oriented policing, evidence-based policing, translational criminology, and embedded criminologists, which seek to reduce crime by fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. In this context, law enforcement officers act as de facto criminologists, applying criminological theory to practical crime prevention (in cases of evidence-based policing).

2. Judges

Judges, in their capacity as key figures in the criminal justice system, also play a crucial role as criminologists by interpreting the law, evaluating evidence, and ensuring that justice is administered fairly. While they may not traditionally be considered criminologists, their work often requires them to engage deeply with criminological principles. Judges assess criminal behavior, weigh the motivations and circumstances behind offenses, and determine appropriate sentences based on both legal precedents and the broader societal context of crime. Through this process, judges contribute to shaping the societal response to crime, as their rulings set standards for accountability, punishment, and rehabilitation, reinforcing or challenging existing criminological theories.

In their role, judges must evaluate the impact of criminal behavior not only on individual victims but also on communities and societal order. Their decisions influence the deterrence of future crimes, as the sentences they hand down reflect society’s tolerance for certain behaviors and its demand for justice. By interpreting laws that are informed by criminological research, judges help to establish precedents that influence policing strategies, correctional policies, and victim support systems. Their judgments also often incorporate psychological evaluations, offender history, and rehabilitation potential, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior that aligns with the work of criminologists in balancing punitive and restorative justice.

Moreover, judges contribute to criminology through their role in shaping legal interpretations of emerging criminal trends and complex cases, such as cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime. As societal challenges evolve, judges must apply criminological insights to address novel forms of criminal behavior while maintaining fairness and equity in the justice system. By setting legal precedents, they help define the boundaries of criminal responsibility and appropriate punishment. In this way, judges act as de facto criminologists, influencing how society conceptualizes crime and justice and helping to refine the legal and criminological frameworks that guide responses to criminal behavior.

3. Forensic Science Professionals

Forensic science professionals play a crucial role as criminologists by applying scientific methods to aid in the investigation, analysis, and prevention of crime. These experts include crime scene investigators, forensic pathologists, DNA analysts, and toxicologists, among others, who work to uncover evidence that helps law enforcement solve crimes and secure convictions. Through their meticulous collection and examination of physical evidence — such as fingerprints, blood samples, or ballistic data — they apply criminological principles to link suspects to crime scenes, reconstruct criminal events, and provide objective insights into the circumstances surrounding criminal activity. Their scientific rigor enhances the credibility of the justice system, ensuring that the pursuit of truth is based on empirical data and analysis.

Forensic scientists also contribute to criminology by studying patterns of criminal behavior and helping to develop offender profiles. By analyzing evidence from multiple cases, forensic professionals can detect recurring criminal methods, understand motivations, and predict future behavior. This information is vital in tracking serial offenders, preventing repeat crimes, and aiding law enforcement in deploying resources more effectively. Furthermore, advancements in forensic technology — such as DNA analysis and digital forensics — have revolutionized crime-solving, enabling cold cases to be reopened and previously undetectable crimes to be uncovered. These innovations demonstrate the intersection of science and criminology, as forensic professionals apply cutting-edge techniques to solve real-world problems.

The contributions of forensic science professionals as criminologists go beyond solving individual cases; they are central to the larger goal of crime prevention and justice. By providing evidence that helps establish the truth in courtrooms, forensic scientists ensure that the criminal justice system operates fairly and that both victims and offenders are treated justly. Moreover, their work in identifying criminal patterns and improving investigative techniques makes a lasting impact on how society understands and addresses crime. In this way, forensic science professionals not only serve as investigators but also as vital contributors to the field of criminology, shaping how we prevent, analyze, and respond to criminal behavior.

4. Physical Security Professionals and Cybersecurity Experts

The role of physical security professionals as modern criminologists is pivotal in safeguarding people, property, and infrastructure from various criminal threats. These professionals include security managers, surveillance operators, and access control specialists, who are responsible for protecting public and private spaces from theft, vandalism, and violent crime. Drawing from criminological principles, they assess potential risks and vulnerabilities, develop prevention strategies, and use technologies such as CCTV, alarm systems, and patrols to deter criminal behavior. Their work doesn’t merely involve reacting to crimes but actively preventing them by predicting potential threats and applying environmental crime prevention theories, such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). This proactive approach reflects their essential role in the broader framework of criminology.

In the digital age, cybersecurity experts have emerged as essential players in the fight against crime, particularly as criminal activity increasingly shifts to the cyber realm. These professionals protect individuals, organizations, and governments from cybercrimes like hacking, identity theft, ransomware attacks, and online fraud. Using criminological techniques, cybersecurity experts analyze cybercriminal behavior, identify patterns, and implement defense mechanisms to secure digital systems. Their work involves not only preventing breaches but also responding to cyberattacks and minimizing damage when incidents occur. Collaborating with law enforcement agencies, they assist in the investigation and apprehension of cybercriminals, applying their technical expertise and understanding of digital criminal behavior.

Together, physical security professionals and cybersecurity experts embody the evolution of criminology in the modern era. Their contributions extend beyond traditional policing and law enforcement, integrating technology and proactive risk management to safeguard society from an ever-expanding range of threats. While physical security professionals address the tangible aspects of crime in the physical world, cybersecurity experts combat the virtual threats that can be just as damaging. By preventing, mitigating, and investigating criminal activity in their respective domains, both groups play vital roles in reducing crime and maintaining societal safety, making them indispensable components of contemporary criminology.

5. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Workers and Victim Advocates

Another essential group within this expanded definition of criminologists is NGO workers and victim advocates. These professionals work tirelessly to protect and promote the rights of victims of crime. NGOs play a critical role in supporting individuals who have been harmed by crime, often stepping in where law enforcement or government services fall short.

Victim advocacy includes providing emotional support, helping victims navigate the legal system, and ensuring that they receive adequate compensation and protection. Organizations focused on preventing human trafficking, domestic violence, or sexual assault, for instance, are deeply involved in the fight against crime and are integral to reducing re-victimization.

Criminology emphasizes not just understanding why crime occurs but also ensuring that society responds to crime in ways that support victims. NGO workers, like criminologists, focus on the social and psychological needs of those harmed by crime, applying principles of justice and rehabilitation in their advocacy efforts.

6. Lawyers and Legal Practitioners

Lawyers, particularly criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors engage in the field of criminology as part of their professional roles. These legal practitioners represent both victims and offenders, contributing to the functioning of the criminal justice system.

Prosecutors work on behalf of the state to hold offenders accountable, ensuring that justice is served in criminal cases. Defense attorneys, meanwhile, ensure that offenders receive a fair trial and that their rights are protected under the law. Both roles are critical to upholding the legal framework that defines and punishes crime, a cornerstone of criminological theory.

Lawyers often consult criminological research when crafting defense strategies or when pushing for policy reforms. For instance, research into the causes of recidivism or the effectiveness of certain punishments can be vital in arguing for more lenient or more stringent sentences. In these ways, legal professionals contribute to the criminological mission of understanding and addressing crime.

7. Correctional Officers and Rehabilitation Specialists

Criminology extends into the correctional system, where professionals work directly with offenders after they have been sentenced. Correctional officers, probation officers, and rehabilitation specialists aim to reduce recidivism and reintegrate offenders into society. Their work is guided by criminological principles that view crime as a behavior that can be corrected rather than an inherent trait.

Correctional professionals apply theories of rehabilitation, psychological treatment, and behavioral change to help offenders abandon criminal behavior. They implement educational and vocational programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to become law-abiding citizens. In this context, they serve as “social doctors,” (Jaishankar, 2022) seeking to cure the disease of crime through treatment and intervention.

These professionals exemplify a critical shift in criminology from a punitive to a rehabilitative approach, demonstrating the diverse ways that criminological principles are applied in practice.

III. Is a Degree in Criminology Necessary to Be a Criminologist?

Given the wide range of professionals who can be considered criminologists under this expanded definition, the question arises: Is a formal degree in criminology necessary to be considered a criminologist?

The simple answer is no, a formal degree in criminology is not always required for someone to function as a criminologist, particularly when considering the practical application of criminological principles. Many professionals working in law enforcement, the legal system, NGOs, or corrections may not hold criminology degrees, but they nonetheless engage in criminological work through their daily responsibilities.

However, a degree in criminology or a related field certainly provides valuable theoretical and empirical knowledge that can enhance the effectiveness of professionals in these roles. A formal education in criminology can:

1. Provide Theoretical Knowledge: A criminology degree offers insight into the theoretical frameworks that explain criminal behavior. Understanding theories of deviance, strain, cybercrime (such as my Space Transition Theory) and labeling can help professionals develop better approaches to crime prevention and rehabilitation.
2. Foster Research and Analytical Skills: Criminology programs teach students how to conduct research, analyze data, and assess the effectiveness of criminal justice policies. These skills are invaluable for professionals seeking to influence policy or engage in evidence-based practices.
3. Enhance Career Opportunities: For individuals seeking to enter academia, policy research, or higher-level criminal justice positions, a degree in criminology may be a prerequisite. It opens doors to roles that require a deep understanding of the social, psychological, and legal aspects of crime.

Nevertheless, professionals working within criminological fields often gain expertise through practical experience. Police officers, correctional officers, and victim advocates may learn criminological principles on the job, applying them directly to their work without holding a formal degree. In these cases, the term “criminologist” is more a reflection of the work they do rather than their academic background.

Conclusion

A criminologist, in the broadest sense, is anyone who works toward the understanding, prevention, or resolution of crime. While traditional definitions limit criminologists to academic researchers who study criminal behavior and societal responses to it, the reality is far more inclusive. Police officers, NGO workers, lawyers, correctional officers, and rehabilitation specialists all engage in criminology in their daily efforts to fight crime, support victims, and rehabilitate offenders.

Whether they hold a degree in criminology or have gained expertise through practical experience, these professionals are crucial to addressing the many facets of crime in modern society. They serve as the “social doctors” (Jaishankar, 2022) Gandhi envisioned, treating the disease of crime and working toward a safer, more just world for all.

Reference

Dhayanand, S. (2024). In India, who is a #criminologist???

Jaishankar, K. (2022). "A Poison called Criminology".