CRIMINOLOGY 1 – INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY

COURSE OUTLINE

CHAPTER I – Criminology: Its Nature and Concept

 Criminology defined.
 Nature of Criminology
 Purposes of Studying Criminology
 Importance of Studying Criminology
 Criminology in the Philippines
 Scope of Criminology
 Various studies and science related to Criminology
 Principal Divisions of Criminology by Edwin H. Sutherland
 Major Areas of Study in Criminology (CMO No. 5, s. 2018)
 Criminology Board Exam Percentage
 The Practice of Criminology in the Philippines
 Salient Provisions of RA 11131

Chapter 1: Criminology: Its Nature and Concept

A. What is Criminology?
Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crimes as a social
phenomenon. It includes within its scope the process of making laws, of
breaking laws, and of reactin g towards the breaking of laws…The objective of
criminology is the development of a body of general and verified principles and
of other types of knowledge regarding this process of law, crime, and treatment.
(Sutherland & Cressey as cited by Adler, Mueller & Laufer, 1995)
This may also refer to the following:
1. It is the scientific study of crime, criminals, and criminal behaviour.
(Glick, 1995);
2. This refers to a body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as
a social phenomenon (Tradio, 1999). It may also refer to the study of
crimes and criminals and the attempt of analysing scientifically their
causes and control and the treatment of criminals;
3.
Note: Republic Act No. 11131 is known as “The Philippine
Criminology Profession Act of 2018.” This law repealed Republic Act
No. 6506 otherwise known as an Act Creating the Board of Examiners
for Criminologists in the Philippines and for Other Purposes.
4. According to Curt Bartol and Anne Bartol, “Criminology is a
multidisciplinary study of crimes.” It involves wide array of knowledge
 about crimes and criminals including psychology, sociology,
anthropology, biology, neurology, political science, economics and
others. In recent years, however, the disciplines of sociology,
psychology, and psychiatry have dominated the study of crime. Today
criminologists commonly use statistics, case histories, official records,
and sociological field methods to study criminals and criminal
activity, including the rates and kinds of crime within geographic
areas. Their findings are used by lawyers, judges, probation officers,
law-enforcement and prison officials, legislators, and scholars to
better understand criminals and the effects of treatment and
prevention;
5. According to Elliot, M. A & Merill, F. E, “Criminology may be
defined as the scientific study of crimes and its treatment.” This
definition, besides emphasizing the scientific investigation into the
nature and etiology of crime, stresses the practical or utilitarian
nature of this body of knowledge, namely, devising, ways and means
to prevent of or reduced the incidence of crime and to rehabilitate
criminals as a normal member of the society; and
6. According to Donald R. Taft, “Criminology is the study which
includes all the subject matter necessary to the understanding and
prevention of crimes together with the punishment and treatment of
delinquents and criminals.” This is a comprehensive definition and
describes theoretical as well as practical aspects of the study. It
brings out clearly the fact, which may get overlooked usually, that
criminology is concerned not with the offences committed by adults
only but also with juvenile offences.
Note: In 1885, Italian law professor Raffaele Garofalo coined the term
"criminology" (in Italian, criminologia). The French anthropologist Paul
Topinard used it for the first time in French (criminologie) around the
same time.

B. Is Criminology a Science?

1. Edwin H. Sutherland and Donald R. Cressey, American authors of the

book “Principles of Criminology,” claim that criminology at present is
clearly not a science, but it has hope of becoming a science.
2. However, George L. Wilker, argued that criminology cannot possibly
become a science. Accordingly, general propositions of universal
validity are the essence of science; such propositions can be made
only regarding stable and homogenous unit but varies from one time
 to another; therefore, universal proposition cannot be made regarding
crime, and scientific studies of criminal behavior is impossible.
3. On the other hand, Cirilo M. Tradio humbly submits that criminology
is a science. The argument is that crime is universally defined, is the
commission and omission by a person having capacity, of any act,
which is either prohibited or compelled by law, and the commission or
omission of which is punishable by a proceeding brought in the name
of the government (or the people for that matter) whose law has been
violated.
4. Criminology, however, at present, is not an absolute science, for
anything, which is absolute, is the same at all times in all places.
What makes criminology therefore, at present, not an absolute science
is how a criminal or penal law of a particular country of state defines
crimes, treats of their nature and provides for their punishment.
Thus, an act or omission may be punishable in one country but may
not be punishable in another.
C. Nature of Criminology

Generally, criminology cannot be considered as a science because it

has not yet acquired universal validity and acceptance according to
George L. Wilker. It is not stable, and it varies from one time and place to
another. However, considering that science is the systematic and
objective study of social phenomenon and other bodies of knowledge,
Criminology in itself is a science when under the following
circumstances:

1. It is an Applied Science
In the study of the causes of crimes, anthropology, psychology,
sociology and other natural sciences may be applied. While in crime
detection, chemistry, medicine, physics, mathematics, ballistics,
polygraphy, questioned document examination may be utilized.
Note: Applied science focuses on the practical application of the
principles discovered in basic science while Natural science is
concerned with the physical nature or environment.
2. It is a Social Science
Since crime is a social creation and that it exists in the society, its
study therefore is considered part of social science.
Note: Social science refers to the intellectual and academic disciplines
designed to understand the social world objectively. In addition, this
may also refer to the study of the various aspects of human society.
3. It is Dynamic
Criminology changes as social condition changes. It is concomitant
with the advancement of other sciences that have been applied to it.
 4. It is Nationalistic
The study of crimes must be in relation with the existing criminal law
within a territory or country. This is so because the power to define
and punish crime is enjoyed by the State as cited by the Supreme
Court in People vs. Santiago, 43 Phil 120, 124, to wit:
“The State has the authority, under its police power, to define
and punish crimes xxx. States, as a part of their police
power, has a large measure of discretion in creating and
defining criminal offenses.”

Purposes of Studying Criminology:

1. The primary aim is to prevent the crime problem.
2. To understand crimes and criminals which are basic to knowing the actions
to be done to prevent them.
3. To prepare for a career in law enforcement and scientific crime detection.
4. To develop an understanding of the constitutional guarantees and due
process of law in the administration of justice.
5. To foster a higher concept of citizenry and leadership together with an
understanding of one moral and legal responsibilities to his fellowmen, his
community and the nation.

Importance of Studying Criminology:

1. A source of philosophy of life - it is a good foundation for an individual's
philosophy and lifestyle.
2. A background for a profession or for social service.
3. Because criminals are legitimate objects of interest. They should be
understood in order to know how to control them.
4. Because crime is a costly problem. The value of property lost, medical
expenses, insurance, moving costs, and intangible costs of pain and
suffering is too high as a result of victimization.

Criminology in the Philippines

The first ever educational institution offering the criminology
course, is the Philippine College of Criminology, at Sta. Cruz, Manila,
formerly known as Plaridel College.
This pioneering College of criminology became scientific crime
detection in the whole of Southeast Asia, in the 1950’s. In the early
part of 1960’s, criminology course was offered by the University of
Manila, Abad Santos College, both in Metro Manila, University of
 Visayas, Cebu City, University of Mindanao, Davao City, University of
Baguio.
On January 15, 1983, the author organized and founded the
Philippine Educators Association for Criminology Education
(PEACE), during the National Conference of Criminology Deans and
School Heads and Presidents, held at the University of Negros
Occidental-Recoletos, College of Criminology.
The primary objective of the PEACE is to professionalize criminology education
in the context of national development. Successful projects of PEACE from
Jan. 13, 1983 to May, 1987:
1. Implementation of the first Licensure Examination for Criminology;
2. The recognition of the NAPOLCOM Police Examination by the Civil
Service Commission as eligibility for employment in all other Government Civil
Service Positions;
3. The accreditation of participants in the Seminar/Workshop on Police
Marksmanship for Instructional Purposes in all Criminology Schools: and
4. The upliftment of Criminology Education in line with the
professionalization of the country’s police service.

Various studies and science related to Criminology:

1. study of law
2. science of medicine, chemistry and psychology
3. religion
4. education
5. social work involving sociology and psychology
6. public administration

Similarly, Criminology includes the activities of the following offices and

agencies of the governments:
a. legislative bodies and law makers
b. law enforcement agencies
c. courts and prosecution arms of the government
d. educational institutions like schools and colleges
e. correctional institution
f. public charitable and social agencies
g. public welfare agencies

D. Scope of Criminology

The study of Criminology covers the following scope:

1. The study of the origin and development of criminal law or penal
law;
Note: Criminal law refers to a branch of public law which defines
crimes, treats of their nature, and provides for their punishment.
2. The study of the causes of crimes and development of criminals;
 Note: Crime refers to an act or omission punishable by law,
forbidding or commanding. Criminal, on the other hand, refers to a
person who is convicted of a crime by a final judgment.
3. The study of different factors that enhance the development of
criminal behaviour such as:
a. Criminal Demography
This refers to the study of the relationship between
criminality and population.
b. Criminal Ecology
This refers to the study of the relationship between
environment and criminality.
c. Criminal Epidemiology
This refers to the study of criminality in relation to
spatial distribution in a community.
d. Criminal Physical Anthropology
This refers to the study of criminality in relation to
physical constitution of men.
e. Criminal Psychiatry
This refers to the study of mental and behavioural
disorders in relation to criminality.
f. Criminal Psychology
This refers to the study of human mind and behaviour
in relation to criminality.
Psychiatry vs. Psychology
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine which exists to study,
prevent, and treat mental disorders in humans. Psychology, on the
other hand, is the study of the mind and behaviour. Research in
psychology seeks to understand and explain how people think, act,
and feel.
Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists
Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors; thus, they can
prescribe medications, and spend much of their time with patients
on medication management as a course of treatment while
Psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating
emotional and mental suffering in patients with behavioural
intervention. They are also qualified to conduct psychological
testing, which is critical in assessing a person’s mental state and
determining the most effective course of treatment.
g. Victimology
This refers to the study of the role of the victim in the
commission of a crime.
4. The study of the various measures and methods accepted by
society in cases of violation of criminal law such as:
a. The detection of crimes;
 b. The arrest or apprehension of criminals;
c. The prosecution of suspected law violators;
d. The conviction of criminals in judicial proceedings;
e. The imprisonment, correction, and rehabilitation of the
criminal convicted of a crime;
f. The administration of the police and other law enforcement
agencies; and
g. The maintenance of recreational facilities and other auxiliary
services to prevent the development of crimes and criminal
behaviour.

E. Principal Divisions of Criminology by Edwin H. Sutherland

1. Criminal Etiology
This refers to a division of Criminology which attempts to
provide scientific analysis of the causes of crime.
2. Sociology of Law
This attempts to offer scientific analysis of the conditions
under which penal or criminal laws are developed as a process of
formal social control.
3. Penology
This deals with the control and prevention of crime and the
treatment of youthful offenders.

Note: Edwin H. Sutherland is regarded as the Dean of Modern

Criminology and the Father of American Criminology.

F. Major Areas of Study in Criminology (CMO No. 5, s. 2018)

1. Criminal Law and Jurisprudence

This includes the following:
a. CLJ 1 (Introduction to Philippine Criminal Justice System);
b. CLJ 2 (Human Rights Education);
c. CLJ 3 (Criminal Law (Book I);
d. CLJ 4 (Criminal Law (Book II);
e. CLJ 5 (Evidence); and
f. CLJ 6 (Criminal Procedure and Court Testimony).
2. Law Enforcement Administration
This covers the following:
a. LEA 1 (Law Enforcement Administration (Inter – Agency
Approach);
b. LEA 2 (Comparative Models in Policing);
c. LEA 3 (Introduction to Industrial Security Concepts); and
 d. LEA 4 (Law Enforcement Operations and Planning with Crime
Mapping).
3. Crime Detection and Investigation
This embraces the following:
a. CDI 1 (Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation and
Intelligence);
b. CDI 2 (Specialized Crime Investigation 1 with Legal Medicine);
c. CDI 3 (Specialized Crime Investigation 2 with Simulation on
Interrogation and Interview);
d. CDI 4 (Traffic Management and Accident Investigation with
Driving);
e. CDI 5 (Technical English 1 (Investigative Report Writing and
Presentation);
f. CDI 6 (Fire Protection and Arson Investigation);
g. CDI 7 (Vice and Drug Education and Control);
h. CDI 8 (Technical English 2 (Legal Forms); and
i. CDI 9 (Introduction to Cybercrime and Environmental Laws
and Protection).
4. Criminalistics / Forensics
This includes the following:
a. Forensic 1 (Forensic Photography);
b. Forensic 2 (Personal Identification Techniques);
c. Forensic 3 (Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology);
d. Forensic 4 (Questioned Documents Examination);
e. Forensic 5 (Lie Detection Techniques); and
f. Forensic 6 (Forensic Ballistics).
5. Criminal Sociology / Criminology
This covers the following:
a. Criminology 1 (Introduction to Criminology);
b. Criminology 2 (Theories of Crime Causation);
c. Criminology 3 (Human Behaviour and Victimology);
d. Criminology 4 (Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards);
e. Criminology 5 (Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice
System);
f. Criminology 6 (Dispute Resolution and Crises/Incidents
Management);
g. Criminology 7 (Criminological Research 1 (Research Methods
with Applied Statistics); and
h. Criminology 8 (Criminological Research 2 (Thesis Writing).
6. Correctional Administration
 This embraces the following:
a. CA 1 (Institutional Corrections);
b. CA 2 (Non – Institutional Corrections ); and
c. CA 3 (Therapeutic Modalities).

G. Criminology Board Exam Percentage

1. Criminal Law and Jurisprudence (20%);
2. Law Enforcement Administration (20 %);
3. Crime Detection and Investigation (15 %);
4. Criminalistics (20 %);
5. Criminal Sociology (15 %); and
6. Correctional Administration (10 %). (Article III, Sec. 15, RA No.
11131)

H. The Practice of Criminology in the Philippines

The practice of Criminology in the country is provided for under R.A.
No. 11131 otherwise known as “AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE
OF CRIMINOLOGY PROFESSION ACT CREATING THE BOARD OF
EXAMINERS FOR IN THE PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6506,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN CREATING THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
FOR CRIMINOLOGISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES",” whereby Sec. 5 thereof
states the scope of the practice of criminology which shall include, but shall
not be limited to, acts or activities performed:

(a) In line with the practice of profession or occupation as a law enforcement

administrator, executive, adviser, consultant, officer, investigator, agent or
employee in any private or government agencies performing law enforcement
and quasi-police functions at the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National
Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),
the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology (BJMP), the Provincial Jail, the Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR), the
Probation and Parole Administration (PPA), the Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR), the Bureau of Customs (BoC), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP),
other government and private banks, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC),
the Sea and Air Marshalls, the VIP Security, Airport and Seaport Police, the
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the Intelligence Service of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), and other intelligence service or
agencies of the government exercising similar functions;
(b) In line with the practice of teaching profession such as those performed by a
professor, instructor or teacher in any university, college or school duly
recognized by the government of any of the following professional and
component subjects of the criminology program: (1) Criminal Jurisprudence
and Procedure; (2) Criminalistics; (3) Law Enforcement Administration; (4)
Crime Detection and Investigation; (5) Correctional Administration; and (6)
Criminal Sociology and Ethics, and other technical and specialized subjects in
the criminology curriculum provided by the CHED;

(c) As a technician, examiner/criminalist, or specialist in dactyloscopy,

questioned document, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), lie detection, firearms
identification, forensic photography, forensic chemistry and other scientific
crime detection and investigation;

(d) As a correctional administrator, executive, supervisor, or officer in any

rehabilitation, correctional, and penal institution or facility, and in any
community-based corrections, and rehabilitation agencies and/or programs;

(e) As a counsellor, consultant, adviser or researcher in any government or

private agency on any aspect of criminological research or project involving the
causes of crime, children in conflict with the law, treatment of offenders, police
operations, law enforcement administration, scientific criminal investigation or
public safety and national security administration; and

(f) As a private investigator, administrator, consultant or agent, or detective in

any private security and investigation agency organized under the laws of the
Philippines.

The Board, in consultation with the APO and the academe, subject to the
approval of the Commission, may revise, exclude from or add to the above
enumerated acts or activities as the need arises to conform with the latest
trends in the practice of criminology in the country.

However, the Board may change or revise any of the above subjects in
the event the CHED shall correspondingly change the curriculum prescribed
for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology. In the conduct of the
examination, the Board, in its discretion, may give practical and field
examinations in each subject, as it may deem fit. (Section 15)

Salient Provisions of RA 11131

 Passing of Licensure Examination Requirements

o Except as otherwise specifically allowed under this Act, applicants for
registration for the practice of criminology shall be required to pass a
licensure examination as provided for in this Act, in such places and
 dates as the Commission may designate in the resolution thereof on
the Master Schedules for all licensure examinations in accordance
with Section 7(d) of Republic Act No. 8981. (Section 13)
 Qualifications of an Applicant for the Licensure Examination
o An applicant for the licensure examination for criminologist shall
satisfactorily prove that one possesses the following qualifications:

(a) Must be a citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose

country/state has reciprocity with the Philippines in the practice of
criminology;

(b) Must be of good moral character, good reputation and of sound mind
and body certified by the school where he/she graduated and the
barangay where he/she lives, unless the examinee is a foreign national a
certification from any professional of good standing will do;

(c) Must hold a bachelor's degree in criminology duly accredited by the

CHED) and conferred by a school/college/university duly authorized by
the government or its equivalent degree obtained by either a Filipino or
foreign citizen from an institution of learning in a foreign
country/state: Provided, That it is duly recognized and/or accredited by
the CHED;

(d) Must not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude
by a court of competent jurisdiction; and

(e) Those who failed five (5) times whether consecutive or cumulative in
the criminologist licensure examination, must present a certification
issued by a reputable institution duly recognized by the CHED that such
applicant has satisfactorily completed a refresher course in criminology.
(Section 14)

 Persons to Teach Subjects for Licensure Examination

o All subjects for the licensure examination shall be taught by a
registered criminologist who is a holder of a valid certificate of
registration and updated professional identification card for
criminologist, APO membership, and CPD required units earned, and
meet other CHED requirements. Allied fields in criminology may also
be allowed to teach as it may deem proper. (Section 16)
 Rating in the Licensure Examination
o To pass the licensure examination for criminologist, a candidate must
obtain a weighted average rating of seventy-five percent (75%) with no
grade less than sixty percent (60%) in any given subject. In case the
examinee obtains a weighted average rating of seventy-five percent
(75%) but, has a grade below sixty percent (60%) in any of the
 subjects, the result of the examinee shall be deferred, and be required
to retake that particular subject/s. The deferred examinee shall only
be allowed to retake once within two (2) years from the date of the
examination, and shall be required to obtain a grade not lower than
eighty percent (80%) on the subject, to be considered to have passed
the licensure examination. If the examinee failed to retake after the
lapse of two (2) years or failed to get the passing mark of eighty
percent (80%), the examinee shall retake all the board subjects.
(Section 17)

Any examinee who failed three (3) or more board subjects shall be deemed to
have failed the board examination.

 Privileges of Registered Criminologists

o All registered criminologists shall be exempt from taking any other
entrance or qualifying government or civil service examinations and
shall be considered civil service eligible to the following government
positions, among others:
(1) Dactylographer;
(2) Ballistician;
(3) Questioned Document Examiner;
(4) Forensic Photographer;
(5) Polygraph Examiner;
(6) Probation Officer;
(7) Parole Officer;
(8) Special Investigator;
(9) Special Agent;
(10) Investigative Agent;
(11) Intelligence Agent;
(12) law Enforcement Evaluation Officer;
(13) National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Inspector;
(14) Traffic Operation Officer ;
(15) Associate Graft Investigation Officer;
(16) Special Police Officer;
(17) Safekeeping Officer;
(18) Sherriff;
(19) Security Officer;
(20) Criminal Investigator;
(21) Warden;
(22) Reformation Officer;
(23) Firefighter;
(24) Fire Marshall;
 (25) Jail Officer up to the ra nk of Jail Superintendent and other law
enforcement agencies, and agencies under the Criminal Justice System.
(Sec. 34)

 Preference of Appointment in Government Criminal Justice and Other

Government Institutions
o Registered criminologist shall enjoy priority of appointment and shall
not be required to take any qualifying or entrance examinations in:
1. The PNP;
2. The NBI;
3. The BJMP;
4. The BFP;
5. The Land Transportation Office (LTO); and
6. Other government positions related to criminology, police and law
enforcement work, investigations and security, corrections and public
safety of the following bureaus, department of Justice (DOJ);
a. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR);
b. The Office of the Ombudsman;
c. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA);
d. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC);
e. The Bureau of Treasury (Bot);
f. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR);
g. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
h. The Department of Tourism (DOT);
i. The department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
j. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP);
k. The Bureau of Immigration (BI);
l. The BoC;
m. The Department of Transportation (DOTr);
n. The Air Transportation Office (ATO);
o. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP);
p. The BSP;
q. The BIR;
r. The CHED;
s. The City/Municipal Security Office;
t. The Provincial Jail;
u. The Provincial Security Office;
v. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA);
w. The Supreme Court and lower courts;
x. The Security Consultation; the Social Security System; the
NAPOLCOM;
y. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM);
z. The Optical Media Board;
aa. The Intellectual Property Rights Office;
bb. The PDEA;
cc. The Public Attorney’s Office(PAO);
dd. The PPC;
ee. Government-owned and controlled corporations; and
ff. other government agencies with position involving the practice of
criminology. (Sec. 35)