Specialization in offending: A comprehensive review of criminological theories and empirical studies

Authors

  • Ahmet Eker Turkish National Police
  • Ekrem Mus Harran University

Keywords:

Specialization, Versatility, Criminal Career, Sex Crime, Violent/Non-Violent Crimes, Life-Course

Abstract

Policy makers, legislators, and law enforcement practitioners generally believe that criminals do specialize in offending and they commit only one type of crime throughout their criminal career. Criminal laws, crime prevention programs, and criminal investigation techniques have been shaped by this assumption. On the other hand, a perennial debate amongst criminologists and researchers shows whether criminals have a tendency of specialization or versatility. Some theorists claim that there is one underlying reason for deviance; thus, offenders commit all available crimes. Whereas, others argue that offenders commit crimes for different reasons and needs. As a result, they have a tendency of specialization. Conversely, developmental criminologists claim both specialization and versatility. In this paper, we will start by explaining the theoretical assumptions and results of empirical studies regarding the effects of age, gender, peers, and crime types on offence specialization. Later, we will discuss the assumptions of the theories in the light of the related researches. Finally, we will present various policy and the research recommendations of this study.  

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Author Biographies

Ahmet Eker, Turkish National Police

Ph.D., Chief of Arakli Police Department, Trabzon, Turkey

Ekrem Mus, Harran University

Associate Proffe Proffessor, harran University.UDIESessor, Harran University, Sanlıurfa

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Published

2016-04-25

How to Cite

Eker, A., & Mus, E. (2016). Specialization in offending: A comprehensive review of criminological theories and empirical studies. Journal of Human Sciences, 13(1), 2295–2322. Retrieved from https://j-humansciences.com/ojs/index.php/IJHS/article/view/3760

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Criminology