Prof. Ross: 'Convict Criminologists' Could Strengthen Field of Criminology
January 4, 2017
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Quoted in an article in the Daily Beast, University of Baltimore Professor of Criminal Justice Jeffrey Ian Ross says the study of crime and criminal behavior might be enhanced by the participation of those who have been through the criminal justice system.
Ross and his colleague, Stephen Richards of the University of Wisconsin, wrote a book, Convict Criminology. The book is inspiring some who have gone through the system to consider teaching and research in criminology as a viable career path.
Convict criminology, the Daily Beast says, "challenges the way that crime and correctional problems are traditionally approached and discussed by policymakers, politicians, and researchers in the field of criminology."
Richards and Ross believe that convicts, former and current, have important contributions to make to the field, especially regarding the study of recidivism. But Ross notes that simply having served time behind bars does not make a person an expert in the system.
"Simply spending time behind bars, nor being in possession of a high school diploma and/or a bachelor's degree is not sufficient to be considered a 'convict criminologist,'" Ross told the Daily Beast. "One of the criteria is possession of a Ph.D. and preferably in criminology/criminal justice or a related field. This advanced training should give the person the tools to critically analyze corrections and the criminal justice system."
Read the article.
Learn more about Prof. Ross and UB's College of Public Affairs.