Write a research paper outlining the ways in which experimental criminology and criminological research influence social policy.W1: Criminological Research and Social Policy
Marquis Gay posted Feb 11, 2024 3:52 PM
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The ever-changing landscape of crime significantly influences the field of criminology, shaping the discipline’s focus, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks. One notable impact is the emergence of cybercrime in the digital age, challenging traditional criminological paradigms. As criminal activities adapt to technological advancements, criminologists must continually reassess their approaches to understanding and addressing criminal behavior. The role of a criminologist is to analyze crime patterns, reconstruct crime scenes, develop criminal profiles, interview suspects/victims, and many more functions. I currently act as a criminologist for the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division as a Special Agent, in which we investigate all felony-level crimes that involve United States Army soldiers, civilians, and contractors.
The surfacing of cybercrime exemplifies the transformative effects of technological progress on criminal activities. With the rise of the internet, criminals have found new avenues to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital realm. This shift demands criminologists to adapt their research methods and theories to comprehend the dynamics of online criminal behavior. For instance, the proliferation of phishing attacks, where individuals are deceived into disclosing sensitive information, underscores the need for criminologists to explore the psychological and social factors influencing cybercriminals. Recently, I was a victim of identity theft, in which the suspect stole my identity and opened several accounts with my information. The case is ongoing, and I am still unsure how the suspect acquired my data. The suspect was arrested, and the arresting officer discovered various phony identification cards in the suspect’s vehicle. There is a high need for cyber awareness literacy throughout society due to the methods of criminals becoming more online based. In addressing this shift, criminologists increasingly draw on interdisciplinary perspectives, incorporating psychology, sociology, and computer science insights. Theoretical frameworks such as routine activity theory are applied to understand the changing patterns of criminal behavior in the digital space. Researchers delve into the motivations and decision-making processes of cybercriminals, exploring how factors like anonymity and the internet’s global reach contribute to the commission of online offenses (Smith & Holt, 2019). There is a significant amount of cybercrime victims in the senior citizen community due to their lack of technological knowledge. There should be an increase of awareness training for the senior citizen population around the world.
The changing nature of crime also necessitates reevaluating traditional crime prevention strategies. Law enforcement agencies and policymakers must adapt to combat cyber threats effectively. For example, the development of specialized units within police departments and international collaborations among law enforcement agencies exemplify responses to cybercrime that reflect the evolving nature of criminal activities (Barlow, H. D., & Kauzlarich, D., 2010).
Moreover, the increased interconnectedness of societies in the digital age has facilitated the globalization of crime. Transnational criminal networks exploit borders and jurisdictions, making it challenging for traditional criminological approaches rooted in local or national perspectives to grasp and address these phenomena completely. This globalization necessitates criminologists to adopt a more comprehensive and collaborative approach, engaging in international research and cooperation to combat crimes that transcend geographical boundaries.
In conclusion, the changing nature of crime, particularly the rise of cybercrime, has profound implications for criminology. The discipline must continuously evolve to stay relevant in understanding and addressing emerging forms of criminal behavior. The example of cybercrime illustrates how technological advancements reshape criminal activities, requiring criminologists to adapt their theories, methodologies, and prevention strategies. As the field grapples with these changes, interdisciplinary collaboration and international cooperation become essential components of an effective criminological response to the challenges posed by the dynamic landscape of crime.
References:
Smith, R. G., & Holt, T. J. (2019). Cybercrime and digital criminology. In The Oxford Handbook of Environmental Criminology (pp. 353–370). Oxford University Press.
Barlow, H. D., & Kauzlarich, D. (2010). Explaining crime : A primer in criminological theory. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Incorporated.
