Criminal justice professionals and criminologists have assumed a central role in researching, formulating, implementing and evaluating public policy designed to control crime. Crime transcends all geographical, social and economic boundaries, affecting all countries and demographic strata.

Controlling crime requires knowledge of individual and social factors that lead to criminal behavior, and strategies and practices to control crime.

Criminology is the study of the causes, prevention and treatment of criminal behavior, and the social and environmental factors that are associated with crime in society.

Criminology explores the relationship between the field of criminology, criminal justice organizations, and social service agencies whose responsibility it is to control crime and protect society. Students are introduced to the roles of the offender, victim and society in exploring the reasons why criminal behavior occurs.