Criminology For Dummies

Your thorough guide to comprehending and combating crime

Are you fascinated by criminology, forensics, and detective work? This you-are-there guide takes you deep into the world of crime, giving you a better understanding of the dark recesses of the criminal mind and how law enforcement officials investigate crime. You'll gain real-world knowledge of the reasons for and consequences of crime, the way society responds to it, and, most important, how crime can be prevented.

• Enter the world of crime — understand what crime is, how it is measured, and the various ways crime affects victims and society

• Identify different types of crime — from white-collar crime to organized crime to terrorism, examine the nature of crime and why certain criminals are attracted to specific crimes

• Know who commits crimes, and why — explore different theories that attempt to explain why people commit crimes

• Take it to the streets — follow law enforcement officials and federal agencies as they chase and apprehend the bad guys

• Seek justice — meet the key players in the criminal justice system and see why and how the guilty are punished

• Deal with juveniles — know the differences between adult and juvenile systems, realize why youths are treated differently, and review modern methods for treatment

Open the book and find:

• Common criminal traits

• The causes of violent crimes

• Recent efforts to secure victims' rights

• The processes used to solve crimes

• A step-by-step walkthrough of the criminal justice process

• Ways to recognize and fight back against crime

• Jobs in the criminal justice field

• Ten notorious, unsolved crimes