INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY : INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY A REVIEWER By WILFREDO R.

BERALDE

Definition of Criminology : Definition of Criminology In its broadest sense, criminology is the entire body
of knowledge regarding crimes, criminals and the effort of the society to prevent and repress them. In a
narrower sense, criminology is the scientific study of crimes and criminals.

Classical Definition : Classical Definition According to Edwin H. Sutherland and Donald Cressey,
criminology is a body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope
the processes of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting toward the breaking of laws.

Slide 4: This scientific study is extended only on three basic lines, and they are: 1. Criminal Etiology –
Analysis of the causation of crimes and behavior of criminals; 2. Sociology of Law – Investigating of the
nature of criminal law and its administration; 3. Penology – Study of the control of crimes and the
rehabilitation of offenders.

Related Studies and Sciences : Related Studies and Sciences Study of law Science of medicine, chemistry
and psychology Religion Education Social work involving sociology and psychology Public administration

Slide 6: Similarly, criminology includes in the activities of the following offices and agencies of the
government: Legislative bodies Law enforcement agencies Courts and prosecution arms of the
government Educational institutions like schools and colleges Correctional institutions Public charitable
and social agencies Public welfare agencies

Slide 7: And among the private sectors whose work is related to criminology are the following: The
family and the home Church and religion Private charitable and welfare institutions Civic clubs and
organizations Print media, newspaper, radio and television Private schools and colleges and many
more…

Nature of Criminology : Nature of Criminology Generally, criminology cannot be considered a science

because it has not yet acquired universal validity and acceptance; it is not stable and it varies from one
time and place to another. However, considering that science is the systematic objective study of social
phenomenon and other bodies of knowledge, criminology is a science in itself when applied to law
enforcement and prevention of crimes under the following nature:
Slide 9: IT IS AN APPLIED SCIENCE – In the study of the causes of crimes, anthropology, psychology,
sociology and other natural sciences may be applied. While in crime detection, chemistry, medicine,
physics, mathematics, ballistics, polygraphy, legal medicine, questioned document examination, science
is also applied. This is called and known as INSTRUMENTATION.

Slide 10: IT IS A SOCIAL SCIENCE – Inasmuch as crime is a social creation that it exists in a society being a
social phenomenon, its study must be considered part of social science. IT IS DYNAMIC – Criminology
changes as social conditions change. It is concomitant with the advancement of other sciences that have
been applied to it. Dynamic means characterized by action or forcefulness or force of personality.
Concomitant means following or accompanying as a consequence.

Slide 11: IT IS NATIONALISTIC – The study of crime must be in relation with the existing criminal law
within the territory of a country. Finally, the question as to whether an act is a crime is dependent on
the criminal law of the state. It follows therefore, that the causes of crime must be determined from its
social needs and standards.

Scope of Study of Criminology : Scope of Study of Criminology Study of the origin and development of
criminal law or penal law. Study of the causes of crimes and development of criminals. Study of the
different factors that enhances the development of criminal behavior such as: Criminal Demography
Criminal Epidemiology Criminal Ecology Criminal Physical Anthropology Criminal Psychology Criminal
Psychiatry Victimology Demography – the branch of sociology that studies the characteristics of human
populations. Epidemiology – the branch of medical science dealing with the transmission and control of
disease. Ecology – The environment as it relates to living organisms. Anthropology – the social science
that studies the origins and social relationships of human beings Psychology – The science of mental life.
Psychiatry – The branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Victimology – Studies the nature and cause of victimization.

Slide 13: Study of the various processes and measure accepted by society in cases of violation of criminal
law such as: The detection and investigation of crimes. The arrest and apprehension of criminals. The
prosecution and conviction of the criminal in a judicial proceeding.

Slide 14: The imprisonment, correction and rehabilitation of the convicted offender or criminal. The
administration of the police and other law enforcement agencies. The enforcement of laws, decrees,
rules and regulations. Maintenance of recreational facilities and other auxiliary services to prevent the
development of crimes and criminal behavior.

Some Major Areas of Studies in Criminology : Some Major Areas of Studies in Criminology Dactyloscopy
– a method of studying fingerprints to establish identification. Police Photography Polygraphy Ballistics –
the study of the firing, flight, and effects of ammunition. Questioned Document Examination – the
examination of disputed document using a variety of scientific processes and methods.

Slide 16: Penology Police Supervision and Management Investigation and Detection of Crimes Industrial
Security Management Traffic Management & Accident Investigation & Others

Some Opportunities of Criminology Graduate : Some Opportunities of Criminology Graduate In the law
enforcement branches of the government particularly in the civilian, military and police agencies; In the
management and administration of security agencies of commercial and industrial establishment;
Document examiner of police agencies or verifier in the signature control of banks and other financial
institutions;

Slide 18: As custodial or correctional officers of penitentiary institutions; As custodial or correctional

officers of penitentiaries or penal colonies; As laboratory technicians and experts in police laboratories;
Consultant in crime research and prevention programs; and Many more…