Introduction to Criminology

Definition: Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.
Interdisciplinary Field: Combines sociology, psychology, law, and forensic science.

Crime: An act that violates a law and is punishable by the state.
Deviance: Behavior that diverges from societal norms but may not be legally punishable.
Penology: The study of punishment, penal systems, and rehabilitation.

Biological Theories: Focus on genetic and physiological factors that predispose individuals to criminal behavior.
Psychological Theories: Examine mental processes, personality traits, and psychological disorders related to crime.
Sociological Theories:
- Strain Theory: Suggests that social structures can pressure individuals to commit crimes.
- Social Learning Theory: Proposes that behavior is learned through interactions and influences from others.
- Labeling Theory: Explores how labeling someone as a criminal affects their identity and future behavior.

Violent Crimes: Involves harm or threat of harm to individuals (e.g., murder, assault).
Property Crimes: Involves the theft or destruction of property (e.g., burglary, vandalism).
White-Collar Crimes: Non-violent crimes committed for financial gain (e.g., fraud, embezzlement).
Cyber Crimes: Crimes conducted via the internet or involving technology (e.g., hacking, identity theft).

Law Enforcement: Police and agencies responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws.
Judiciary: Courts that adjudicate legal disputes and administer justice.
Corrections: Systems (jails, prisons, parole) that manage individuals convicted of crimes.

Official Statistics: Collected by government agencies (e.g., FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports).
Victimization Surveys: Surveys that ask individuals about their experiences as crime victims.
Self-Report Surveys: Surveys that ask individuals to report their own criminal behavior.

Cybercrime: Increasing focus on crimes committed through digital means.
Terrorism: Study of the motives, methods, and impact of politically motivated violence.
Restorative Justice: Emphasizes repairing harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation with victims.

Community Policing: Police-community partnerships to prevent crime and enhance community safety.
Environmental Design: Modifying physical spaces to reduce crime opportunities (e.g., street lighting).
Education and Awareness: Programs aimed at educating the public about crime prevention and personal safety.

Criminology involves the scientific analysis of crime, criminal behaviors, and the workings of the criminal justice system.
It draws from various disciplines including sociology, psychology, law, and forensic science.

Crime is defined as an act that breaches legal statutes and incurs state penalties.
Deviance refers to behaviors that diverge from societal norms, which may not necessarily lead to legal repercussions.
Penology focuses on the theories and practices related to punishment, correctional systems, and rehabilitation methods.

Biological theories suggest that genetics and physical conditions can influence criminal tendencies.
Psychological theories delve into cognitive processes, personality characteristics, and mental health issues that correlate with criminality.
Sociological theories include:
- Strain Theory, which posits that societal pressures can compel individuals toward criminal acts.
- Social Learning Theory, stating that criminal behavior is acquired through social interactions and peer influences.
- Labeling Theory, investigating how being labeled a criminal can influence an individual's self-identity and subsequent actions.

Violent Crimes encompass acts causing physical harm or threats, such as murder and assault.
Property Crimes involve the unlawful appropriation or damage of property, exemplified by burglary and vandalism.
White-Collar Crimes consist of non-violent acts committed for financial benefit, including fraud and embezzlement.
Cyber Crimes exploit technology and the internet, with examples like hacking and identity theft.

Law Enforcement includes police forces and agencies tasked with public safety and law enforcement.
The Judiciary comprises courts that resolve legal conflicts and dispense justice.
Corrections involve institutions like jails and prisons, along with parole systems, managing convicted offenders.

Official statistics are gathered by government entities, such as the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports.
Victimization Surveys inquire about personal experiences related to crime.
Self-Report Surveys ask individuals to disclose their own criminal activities.

Cybercrime has garnered increased attention due to its prevalence in the digital age.
Research on Terrorism focuses on the motivations, methodologies, and ramifications of politically charged violence.
Restorative Justice seeks to mend the societal damage caused by crime through reconciliation efforts between offenders and victims.

Community Policing fosters collaborative efforts between law enforcement and community members to mitigate crime.
Environmental Design tactics focus on altering surroundings to deter criminal activities, such as improving street lighting.
Education and Awareness initiatives aim to inform the public about crime prevention measures and enhance individual safety knowledge.