Life as a criminologist: A career in criminology need not be limited to only teaching and research anymore.

Abstract

In India, people who work in the field of criminology are often involved in conducting training workshops and seminars to sensitise those who work in the judicial system. However, a career in criminology need not be limited to only teaching and research. "India is short of expertise in the field of criminology and will benefit greatly from more professionals taking it up as a career," says Dr Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer whose legacy can be seen most clearly in her holistic approach to prison reforms.

For its inherent potential, criminology opens many career doors in the domestic as well as international sphere. Organisations of the United Nations such as the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations International Crime and Justice Research Institute, the Human Rights Council and Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice are just a few amongst the list of many that are more than happy to recruit criminologists for their extensive projects aimed towards social impact at a global level. When asked to give a message to prospective students, Dr. Bedi says, "Do a needs analysis in different areas and pick up a discipline in which there is vacuum." Criminologists are the need of the hour and the field of criminology has a lot to offer those who are willing to make a difference.

Watching crime and mystery shows can be truly thrilling. Even the most enterprising offender is profiled, arrested and tried by a team of highly skilled professionals, special agents, psychologists, criminal profilers, behaviour analysts and criminal psychologists all within the span of a forty minute episode. Just like magic! In a country like India where the population is on the rise along with the crime rate, we are in dire need of such kind of magicians. Today, the professional and academic prospects for skilled experts in the field of criminology - wizards grounded in the social sciences - are virtually unlimited.

In 1885, a renowned Italian law professor Raffaele Garofalo coined the term "criminologia" which we refer to as Criminology in the present day. Criminology is a part of behavioural science in which the nature and extent of criminal acts is studied and researched. Criminologists aid the authorities in investigating and solving criminal acts. Criminology has great potential for students willing to make a career out of it, both within the country as well as outside. If you are good with analytical skills, want to work towards social change and are looking for a job which can be both exciting and fulfilling a career in criminology might be something worth looking into.

In most parts of the western world, criminologists form an essential part of almost every department dealing with criminals - police authorities, prisons, juvenile centres and judicial bodies. Research institutes and policy making organisations can also profit from the involvement of criminologists. It is fairly easy to apply for courses pertaining to this field abroad as long as one is able to afford the course fees. Courses in criminology stem from major branches - psychology, sociology and law. There are many specialisations that one can opt for along with applying for research grants from universities.

In India, people who work in the field of criminology are often involved in conducting training workshops and seminars to sensitise those who work in the judicial system. However, a career in criminology need not be limited to only teaching and research. "India is short of expertise in the field of criminology and will benefit greatly from more professionals taking it up as a career," says Dr Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer whose legacy can be seen most clearly in her holistic approach to prison reforms.

If you are interested in a career in criminology there are a wide range of degree and diploma courses available at various colleges in the country. Your preferred route can either involve social sciences or medicine. After obtaining a Masters degree, you can begin your professional career at an individual or social level. Within the police force, criminologists can assist in profiling an offender and determining the aftermath of his/her crime. In correctional facilities such as prisons and juvenile homes a criminologist can help in behaviour analysis by working with inmates to minimise the probability of repeating the crime. Those not inclined towards working with government bodies can find employment in the corporate sector.

"There is a great need, I believe, for criminologists in the private sector, especially in the world of private detection, corporates and commercial business. Students can explore that avenue as well," adds Dr Bedi. For instance, an individual specialised in solving corporate crime can easily find a lucrative offer with an MNC. On a more individual level, the field of private investigation is another good option where the one has the freedom and flexibility to pick and choose their own cases and projects.

Academia and research is another interesting branch of this field. With more students and professionals wanting to join in, it is important that we have trained educators in various higher education institutes. Teaching can be a wonderful and fulfilling pathway. From module designing, lectures and group seminars to easy working hours and travelling for academic conferences, it's got it all. Academics can also carry forward their research in the field and apply for university and government grants. The research departments outside the country benefit from a lot of support and funding from the government and other external organisations.

But despite the growing interest in the field, things are still not that sorted for students and researchers. Dr. Bedi explains, "Research in this field is not encouraged because of lack of easy information and availability of data. The institutions of criminal justice are very closed systems. They do not make themselves available for research easily which can be discouraging." Things however, are slowly changing for the better. Correctional institutions like Tihar Jail welcome prospective students and researchers to conduct studies which helps them understand their inmates better and make reforms.

For its inherent potential, criminology opens many career doors in the domestic as well as international sphere. Organisations of the United Nations such as the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations International Crime and Justice Research Institute, the Human Rights Council and Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice are just a few amongst the list of many that are more than happy to recruit criminologists for their extensive projects aimed towards social impact at a global level. When asked to give a message to prospective students, Dr. Bedi says, "Do a needs analysis in different areas and pick up a discipline in which there is vacuum." Criminologists are the need of the hour and the field of criminology has a lot to offer those who are willing to make a difference.