There are many series featuring criminals and experts who catch them. They can be the source of inspiration of many young people who aspire to become criminologists. Far from written fiction, this article will clear out the myths concerning this profession and shed light on the obscure side of crime and justice careers.

What is a Criminologist?

For starters, the profession of criminologists has little to do with the high-tech laboratories, investigations, fingerprints and other expertise that can be seen in movies and series. Criminology or forensic science is an academic major that aims to study the clues and traces of break-ins, crimes or assaults. This study is necessary in criminal justice careers. Adding to comprehensively analyzing all the gathered evidence to explain illegal acts, the criminologist explores the origins and processes of crimes and delinquencies. This job is necessary to decrease the crime rate and provide security and protection for citizens. It also seeks to know whether the systems put in place to prevent or stop crimes are sufficient or not.

Criminologists Requirements:

This job is considered as a very sensitive and precise job. That’s why many required conditions are listed for this job:

1.Qualification:

A criminologist is a specialist in crimes. This expertise is gained through 4 years of intensive college studies revolving around the field of crimes. Applicants for this job should be graduates from:

• Criminology
• Psychology
• Criminal Justice studies.

Having previous army training and physical fitness preparation are a must for this job. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in the previously listed disciplines with a certificate in the Criminal Profiler from the International association of Forensic Sciences.

2.Experience:

Experience is needed in this sensitive job. A criminologist is not an entry-level career. A detective or an agent can shift in their career towards the criminologist path after having experience in investigating crimes and disappeared cases. In fact, a criminologist has many facets, which can also enable him to occupy various positions within various establishments; the police station, prison, reception or rehabilitation center, mental health center, victim assistance, social assistance to criminals.., etc.

2. Skills and Qualities:

Adding to the qualifications, there are some skills and qualities essential in this career:

-Analytical thinking: criminologists should analyze the given situation and try to expect the real happenings. For example, criminologists should know what happens in the criminal’s mind, why does an individual engage in illegal behavior? What are the reasons for taking illegal actions? The criminologist takes advantage of his psychologist and sociologist knowledge.

-Attention to details: being prudent is essential to criminologists. Having a deep focus on the case details can bring effective results in reaching the real perpetrators.

-Communication skills: a criminologist should know how to extract the necessary information from witnesses, investors, accused people and many other sources to elaborate an effective plan in order to catch the real criminal.

-Flexibility: a criminologist should be dedicated to the job. Changes are expected every moment. That’s why there is no flexible schedule, when criminologists are on the field. They should be present at the crime site during day and night.

-Decision-Making and planning kills: a criminologist should know how to approach perpetrators and how to arrest them. This cannot happen without an elaborate plan prepared for the process.

Teamwork: a criminologist is a work linked and associated with others operations. The criminologist is above all an expert in the science of crime. Contrary to popular belief in American series, this is not a simple profiler responsible for determining criminals and chasing them or investigating with them. It is a constructive work elaborated upon others efforts in gathering evidence and covering the crime site.

A Criminologist Roles and Responsibilities:

A criminologist is a necessary profession to reduce criminality. Although the mission of a criminologist varies depending on the criminal case, here are some roles listed for the purpose.

-A criminologist participates in analysis of the factors and procedures in the search for the origin of the crimes. To do this, he explores the causes of criminal acts and helps the police to put in place the necessary means to prevent delinquency, criminality and offenses.

-Assessment: a criminologist elaborates the final conclusion of the committed acts through classifying the criminals according to various approaches; sociological, psychological, economic and legal.

-Reviewing criminal cases

-Assisting the police forces in the context of offenses, delinquency or crimes.

-Following up with legal news in order to update the strategies of reaching the criminals.

- Establishing researches on the causes of crime by analyzing the context, the motivations of the delinquent or the criminal, his personality, his family and professional situation, etc..

-Proposing the implementation of protecting witnesses and sensitive information belonging to criminal files.

Criminologist: Career Development:

In the United States, the profession of a criminologist is subject to change and reaches upper grades. It is a specialization obtained after studying law or psychology and can open career paths in both fields. It can also lead to the FBI department and court systems, and forensic laboratories. This job opens the path to work in different structures and keeps professionals in close collaboration with the police and justice. The possibilities of development are quite demanding, as the shift in career requires long years of experience and extensive knowledge in law, psychology, sociology or criminal justice. Access to the job market therefore remains relatively difficult for beginners, as they should have a strong analytical mind to assess the possible criminal happenings. Concerning salaries, a criminologist earns up to 71,000$ per year. The amount can increase through time.

That was all about a criminologist career in the US. Applicants who are interested in this field should be qualified and experienced in the criminal justice field.