From a crime Investigator, a law enforcement agent and a social worker, to prison manager — there are a plethora of opportunities in criminology sector. Sidhi Mishra speaks with experts to bring you an advisory
Not a day goes by when one doesn’t read about murders, rapes, cyber crime and petty crime in newspapers. With the rise in crime rate in India, the demand for criminologists is the need of the hour — criminologists who can not only determine the cause and effect of criminal activity but also develop strategies to fight and prevent it.
According to Dr Ruchi Sinha, associate professor with the Centre for Criminology and Justice in the School of Social Work, TISS: “Criminology is an interdisciplinary profession built around the scientific study of crime and criminal behaviour including their manifestations, causes, legal aspects, control and most importantly of restoration. It also includes science to trace the evidence of crime. The only difference between forensic science and criminology is that the former doesn’t include psychological study of the criminal behaviour. It is purely based on the scientific methods to trace the evidence of crime.”
She also tells you that students who have studied any course related to criminology will look at 26/11 differently; Sanjay Dutt’s prison term scientifically, comprehend Naxalism as a holistic issue, drive meaning from the increasing instances of corruption from a political and economic scenario and develop a strategic perspective on the criminal justice system with citizen’s interface.
To understand the predicament faced by contemporary criminologists, it is useful to recognise that various factors have undermined the traditional relationship between criminologists and criminal justice policy.
Scope
“There is a huge demand of criminologists. Though there is no official statistics on the hiring scenario and the job opportunities but around 65 per cent of fresher talent are required every year in various job profiles offered within criminology field,” Sudha Mary Toppo, regional coordinator, South Asia office, Sheffield Hallam University says.
Skills required
Criminology, as a profession, deals with the study of understanding criminal behaviour, cause of crime and its impact on society and victim. Thus the field demands sociology, psychology analytical skills along with the application of science to trace the evidence of crime and its cause. They must possess excellent observational and research skills, clarity of verbal and written expression. Also, dedication towards fighting against crime is required.
Courses offered & eligibility
Both undergraduate (BA/BSc) and post graduate (MA/MSc) courses in Criminology are offered by various institutes in India. The basic requirement for getting admission to an undergraduate course is passing Class XII with either Arts or Science from a recognised board.
“There are various course combinations offered in the field of criminology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level like criminology and psychology, law with criminology, forensic criminology and criminology and sociology. The postgraduate course on MSc Forensic Criminology comprises study of the forensic explanations and forensic investigation of crime and how criminological theory and research informs criminal justice policy in relation to reducing crime, managing offenders and protecting the public,” Toppo tells you.
Knowledge of criminology can be applied to various professions and academic fields related to the study of the society on the whole. After studying criminology one can specialisation in courses like victimology (studying the nature and cause of victimisation aiding crime victims), penology (studying the correction and control of criminal behaviour), juvenile justice and crime investigation.
Job prospects
From crime investigator, counselor, police officer, medical investigation, law enforcement, social worker to prison management and crime researcher, there are plethora of career options available for the aspirants. Aspirants can also practice with various organisations like Central Bureau of Investigation, Research and Analysis Wing, forensic labs, National Institute of Social Defence, Bureau of Police Research and Development, National Commission for Women, National Human Rights Commission, and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
For those wanting to work abroad, the job includes crime intelligence analyst, law reform researcher, community corrections coordinator, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Interpol and Europol.
Remuneration
To begin with, one can earn up to Rs15,000 a month. With experience, the salary can go up to Rs60,000.
Where to study