Mann_Jonica_Analysis of Criminology
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Analysis of Criminology
Jonica Mann
College of Humanities and Social Science, Grand Canyon University
Course Number: Criminal Behavior and Victimology
Mark Sims
October 15, 2023
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Introduction
The study of crime's causes, effects, and prevention is the main goal of the multidisciplinary field of criminology. Criminologists are essential players in the justice system, making a big difference in the formulation of laws and regulations, the design of effective law enforcement tactics, and the advancement of our knowledge of criminal conduct. In this analysis,
the function of criminologists, their approaches to estimating crime rates, and the significance of precise crime estimation are examined.
The Role of a Criminologist
Sociologists who specialize in criminology research crime, criminal behavior, and how it affects society (Weaver, 2023). They play a crucial role in the legal system for several reasons. Criminologists examine the occurrence, trends, and risk factors of crime (Weaver, 2023). They help in the development of efficient crime prevention and reduction policies by offering law enforcement organizations and lawmakers invaluable insights about how, where, and why crimes
occur (Weaver, 2023). Criminologists help develop evidence-based policies that are meant to lower crime and increase public safety (Weaver, 2023). Their work aids in the decision-making process for social, rehabilitative, and penal policies (Weaver, 2023). Criminologists can pinpoint areas where the criminal justice system can be made more effective, equitable, and just by researching how it operates (Weaver, 2023). They strive to make sure the system works well, upholds people's rights, and lowers recidivism. Criminologists also concentrate on comprehending and helping crime victims (Weaver, 2023). They are essential in the development
of victim assistance programs and in assisting victims of crime to heal from the trauma they experienced.
Methods Criminologist use to Measure Crime
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A program called Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), run by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), gathers crime statistics from law enforcement organizations all around the country (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2018). One of the most complete sources of information on crime is this data, which criminologists utilize to produce annual crime statistics
(Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2018). Researchers can discover areas with high crime rates, demographic details about offenders, and the most typical sorts of crimes by using UCR data, which is useful for analyzing long-term crime trends and patterns
(Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2018). In the United States, the Bureau of Justice Statistics conducts the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) (Siegel, 2018). It gathers information directly from victims and offers insights into crimes that are either unreported or underreported, such sexual assault or domestic abuse (Siegel, 2018). The "dark figure" of crime, which is frequently absent from police reports, can be found using this technique (Siegel, 2018). In self-report surveys, people are
questioned about their involvement in illegal activity, even in cases where law enforcement may not have been alerted to them. These surveys, also known as self-report surveys, offer the chance
to research adolescent delinquency, infractions, and the causes of criminal behavior.
Importance of Accurate Time Measure
It is critical to measure crime accurately. It supports budget preparation, resource allocation, preliminary assessment, crime explanation, policy and program evaluation, and crime description. It is also necessary to assess the chance that different social groups would either become victims or perpetrators. The need for precise crime measurement is due to resource allocation. Based on crime statistics, the government and law enforcement authorities distribute resources. Accurate measures guarantee that resources are allocated to regions with the greatest need, solving the problem of crime in the most effective way (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). Evidence-
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based policy creation is aided by reliable crime data (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). Policy decisions may
be inaccurate without appropriate measurement, resulting in inefficient or harmful methods (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). It is crucial to be accountable. Accurate crime measurement makes criminal justice organizations responsible for what they do (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). It makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of criminal justice procedures in general as well as law enforcement tactics in particular. The accuracy and transparency of crime measurement are crucial for maintaining the public's faith in the criminal justice system. Inaccurate information might reduce public faith in the system.
Consequences of Inadequate Crime Measure
Inaccurate crime measurements will result in false information regarding crime, victims, and criminals. That might make it more difficult to fight crime at the federal, state, and local levels and to prevent it. Due to the low crime rate, many resources and funds may be distributed where they are not required. Social costs are increased by errors committed in the name of justice (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). Incorrect arrests, false convictions, fatalities while in police custody, fatalities of bystanders, and damage to property while pursuing an offender are only a few examples of errors (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). Some areas with high crime rates could go undiscovered because of faulty data, making the neighborhood or city dangerous for residents. It can be disastrous when crime statistics are inaccurate. Misallocation of resources is one example.
Low-crime areas may receive disproportionate attention due to limited resources being steered to
high-crime areas, leaving high-crime areas underfunded (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). Disparities and inequity inaccurate measurements can result in inequalities in the criminal justice system, which disproportionately harm underprivileged communities (O'Neill-Hayes, 2020). Misreported crime data can lead to over- or under policing.
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Public skepticism. When crime data is perceived as inaccurate, the public may lose trust in the criminal justice system. This can lead to a lack of cooperation with law enforcement and hinder crime prevention efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, criminologists play a crucial role in the justice system by evaluating the effectiveness of criminal justice policies, developing crime prevention strategies, and analyzing the complex factors that contribute to crime. They use a variety of methods, such as the UCR, NCVS, and self-report surveys, to measure crime accurately, which is necessary for informed policymaking, monitoring the success of interventions, and equitable resource allocation.
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References
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2018). Uniform crime reporting (UCR) program
. https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr
O'Neill-Hayes, T. (2020). The economic costs of the U.S. criminal justice system. American Action Forum. https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/the-economic-costs-of-
the-u-s-criminal-justice-system
Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminology: Theories, patterns, and typologies (13th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. ISBN-13: 9781337091848
Weaver, M. K. (2023, August 14). What Is a Criminologist?
Excelsior University. https://www.excelsior.edu/article/career-spotlight-criminologist/
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