Shaping the Future of Criminology in the Philippines:

Our Mission and Obligation

Criminology is a multi-disciplinary field that draws professionals from various academic and professional
backgrounds, including law, forensic science, business, biology, and chemistry. Criminologists use their
knowledge and training in sociology and psychology to explain and understand why crimes occur and
what drives criminal behavior. They may work as profilers or consultants for criminal investigators, social
workers dealing with criminal defendants, or policymakers seeking to address the root causes of crime.

In the Philippines, there is a growing need to shape the criminology profession to keep up with the
evolving nature of crimes and their causes. This article provides insights and realizations on how to
shape the criminology profession in the Philippines.

Communication Skills and Competencies

Criminologists should have strong communication skills, including written and oral communication,
personal and organizational communication, as well as multimedia and information and communication
technology. The nature and types of crimes have expanded well beyond those in existence when
criminology was an infant discipline. Technology and growing international affairs and influences have
spawned white-collar crimes (such as securities fraud, large-scale embezzlement, tax evasion), serious
computer and identity theft, and bias crimes. The effective communication of information on cyber-
crimes, multimedia reports, and policy dissemination, either in print or non-print, can best influence
society, and criminologists should have the competencies needed to communicate better.

Exposure to Research

Critical thinking skills are a prominent part of a criminologist's job description. Analysis of information on
crimes leads to conclusions about the causes of crime. In this work, criminologists focus on the
psychological and sociological contributors to crime. Face-to-face contact with criminals does not stand
outside the realm of the job description. Research on the individuals allows criminologists to form a
description of their psychological, social, economic, and other backgrounds. Thus, schools should expose
students to research in the field of criminology.

Mastering the Field of Law Enforcement

Serious crimes will likely require criminologists to visit a crime scene. As murders and other crimes can
occur at all times, criminologists may find themselves away from home or office at potentially any time.
That translates to possible irregular work hours and days. Thus, professors should instill in students the
commitment to invest in the job as they serve society. They should master the value of morality, so
students understand better what is right and what is wrong in the norms of society.

Internship Programs

Internship programs should give students the application of the theories they learned in schools. As
investigators, students should be competent to examine clues to identify and find the specific
perpetrator. The knowledge needed in the investigation should be properly oriented to students, so they
may be able to contribute to the proper resolution of the crime. They should have the courage to write
down the full details and the wisdom to throw questions to the concerns.
Exposure to Policymaking

Schools should also allow students to discuss multicultural and multi-language experiences and linkages
so they may become aware of international standards. Students should examine broader social causes of
crime and improve the overall human condition. Their work may involve determining the effects of
geopolitical or long-standing ethnic or other social conflicts and psychological factors upon how certain
individuals may become radicalized to commit terrorist acts. Thus, curriculums should allow students to
be exposed to policymaking.

Cultivating Professionalism and Ethics

Schools, professors, and criminologists in the field must instill in the hearts and minds of every student
the proper training, behavior, and mental preparation so they may be able to perform their future jobs
with excellence. Instilling academic and professional integrity grounded in a solid ethical foundation.

Shaping future professionals

To prepare criminologists for their future jobs, internship programs should give them the opportunity to
apply the theories they learned in schools. They should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and
skills to investigate clues and identify specific perpetrators. Additionally, schools should expose students
to the field of policymaking, where they can learn how to employ different approaches based on the
circumstances.

In a criminologist's daily life, they may conduct interviews with victims, perpetrators, investigators, and
others knowledgeable about a crime or societal factors that influence behavior. They may also read
investigative notes or academic journals that deal with behavioral science. The job may also involve
preparing reports based on research applied to a particular crime or criminal.

To produce competent criminologists, schools, professors, and criminologists in the field should instill
proper training, behavior, and mental preparation in every student. They should cultivate curiosity and
critical thinking skills that will foster their academic and professional development and advancement.
Moreover, they should promote social responsibility through collaborative and meaningful scholarship
that engages with members of the community and the general public.

Criminologists may work in public agencies tasked with crime prevention, or they may reside among the
halls of colleges and universities. Positions in academia include teaching or research in behavioral
sciences, criminal justice, criminology, sociology, and psychology departments.

Despite the drawbacks and sources of frustration in the criminology profession, it opens the minds and
intellects of professionals to a broad base of knowledge and situations. They also play a significant role in
reducing crime and identifying the forces that lead to criminal behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shaping and developing competent criminologists is a significant obligation that requires
schools and professors' commitment. They should instill academic and professional integrity grounded in
a solid ethical foundation and cultivate curiosity and critical thinking skills that will foster their success.
Ultimately, a career in criminology offers a vast range of opportunities to make a positive impact on
society.