What Are the Perks of Being a Criminologist?
Combining tools and methods from the fields of sociology and psychology, criminologists strive to understand criminal behavior, the causes of crime and how societies respond to crime through law enforcement, corrections and other actions. Becoming a criminologist requires analytical abilities and critical thinking skills, as well as extensive educational preparation. However, the years of study can lead to an interesting career with the potential to influence criminal justice and societal actions against crime.
Most criminologists regard their work as intellectually challenging. The Princeton Review reported that many criminologists regarded fascination and intellectual challenge as the best perks of their profession. Criminologists spend much of their time conducting research, analyzing the data and information they collect, and preparing reports that summarize their findings. Criminologists in academia often write books and journal articles that stem from their research interests. They also spend extensive time reading articles and reports on the latest research in criminal justice issues. Other criminologists work for government agencies, working with law enforcement officials on strategies to combat drug-related crime, gangs and other problems.
Criminologists have the potential to affect the public debate at the local, state and national levels on such issues as violent crime, capital punishment, drugs, gangs and even gun control. Some criminologists, especially those employed by government agencies and research firms, conduct evaluations of criminal justice programs and initiatives to determine which ones are the most effective in preventing or reducing crime. The results of their research can inform policing strategies and criminal justice policies at the local, state and federal levels, helping guide policymakers on the law enforcement and justice practices that work. Some prominent criminologists have testified before state legislative and congressional committees on criminal justice matters.
Because many criminologists work in academia, teaching college courses and conducting research on areas of interest, they often enjoy a high degree of independence and flexibility, especially in their work schedules. While criminology professors must be on their campuses at certain times to teach and hold office hours for meeting with students, they can be flexible with their remaining work time, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By joining national criminology and criminal justice organizations such as the American Society of Criminology or the Academy of Criminal Justice Studies, criminologists have the opportunity to network with and learn from fellow criminologists and criminal justice researchers. Annual conferences of these organizations offer criminologists the opportunity to share research, discuss issues in the profession and identify new research and job opportunities.
Shane Hall is a writer and research analyst with more than 20 years of experience. His work has appeared in "Brookings Papers on Education Policy," "Population and Development" and various Texas newspapers. Hall has a Doctor of Philosophy in political economy and is a former college instructor of economics and political science.