Criminology is related to such fields as psychology, sociology and law. Crimes stem from social, psychological and economic situations and factors. A criminologist is trained to understand these factors and can understand the mindset of a criminal. These professionals work towards the prevention of crimes.

However, in India, jobs for criminologists per se are not properly identified. In the US and UK, criminologists work in prisons, investigation agencies, and intelligence and vigilance departments.
 

What are the objectives of a criminologist?
His or her work involves analysis of crime, crime patterns and techniques, criminal behaviour, magnitude, nature and frequency of crime, criminal participation and the rate of victimisation, and compares the crime rate in states. 

Where are they needed?
There is a need for a criminologist in almost every department that deals with criminals such as prisons, police organisations, the judiciary, investigation agencies, juvenile homes etc. There is a lot of scope in the research and policy-making fields. Here, a criminologist can help in recommending laws that can help in curtailing crimes and in understanding criminal psychology. However, in India, there is hardly any recognition for a criminologist.

What can be done to give this profession a fillip?
Jobs can also be created in the judiciary, prisons, police organisations, the CBI and RAW, etc.

Where can they work?
One can work on projects for BPR&D and UNDP. Then, NGOs, banks and  teaching are good options.