Career In Criminology: Students' Names

Career In Criminology 2 Career in Criminology Students Name Institution Affiliation Date

Everyone right now has a profession they believe suits them best. Personally, I am inclined towards pursuing a career in Computer Criminology, as I have a strong interest in understanding and making sense of complex information, which aligns with my left-brained, analytical thinking style. Computer Criminology involves investigating crimes committed using computers and digital technology, as well as uncovering and preventing such crimes (Milovanovic & Bartollas, 2019). In today's digital age, cybercrimes are increasingly prevalent as offenders believe they can operate anonymously online, assuming their actions cannot be linked back to them.

At this juncture, a Computer Criminologist plays a crucial role in addressing these issues. Their typical responsibilities include retrieving data such as reports, photographs, and messages from computer hard drives and other storage devices like flash drives and zip drives, which may have been erased or damaged. This vocation is akin to forensic science and criminal justice work; however, a Computer Criminologist primarily deals with cyber-related offenses and analyzes computers involved in various criminal cases to uncover evidence of illegal activities.

Just like other professional careers, becoming a Computer Criminologist requires specialized training and education. To pursue this pathway, one must undertake numerous college courses such as criminology, criminal law, psychology, government, cyber law, juvenile delinquency, and criminal theory (Milovanovic & Bartollas, 2019). My preferred learning style is verbal and visual, as I excel at analyzing information and producing work that involves spoken and written language, including lectures, books, and messages. These courses involve studying laws, case studies, and readings that align well with my strengths, particularly my ability to interpret visual data and graphical information, since I am a visual learner.

As a humanist or social scientist, a criminologist investigates social practices and behaviors, which reflects my personality traits—specifically, my 'Blue' personality type, symbolizing a compassionate and empathetic nature. This characteristic resonates with my personality and aligns well with the ethical considerations involved in criminal justice work.

Assessment of Wikipedia as an Information Source

The debate over whether Wikipedia is a credible and trustworthy source is ongoing. While Wikipedia is often the first resource people turn to when researching a topic, many academic institutions question its reliability. Rothschild and Mustafaraj (2019) argue that Wikipedia's open editing model makes it an imperfect source, as anyone can post or modify content, which raises concerns about the accuracy and validity of the information presented. Therefore, while Wikipedia can serve as a useful starting point for research, it should not be relied upon as a definitive or sole source.

Instead, users should corroborate Wikipedia information with more authoritative sources, such as scholarly publications, official reports, or peer-reviewed articles. This cautious approach ensures that the data used in academic or professional contexts is accurate and credible. Scholars like Stolarski and Lewoniewski (2019) emphasize that information shared on platforms like Wikipedia or social media has significantly influenced public perception over the past decade, but such sources can be manipulated or biased. Consequently, critical evaluation and verification from trusted sources are essential to maintaining research integrity.

Given the vast availability of data from various sources today—including social media, news outlets, and online encyclopedias—it is crucial for researchers to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information. Reliable sources undergo peer review or editorial oversight, unlike Wikipedia, which is vulnerable to vandalism and inaccuracies. As a best practice, utilizing multiple credible resources ensures a comprehensive and accurate understanding of complex topics such as cybercrime and criminology principles.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in Computer Criminology aligns well with my analytical and visual learning preferences, and my passion for understanding how digital crimes are committed and prevented. The role of a Computer Criminologist involves meticulous data recovery and analysis, requiring both technical skills and an understanding of the legal landscape. While sources like Wikipedia can be valuable for initial research, they should be supplemented with authoritative, peer-reviewed materials to ensure accuracy. As cybercrime continues to evolve, professionals in this field will play a vital role in safeguarding digital security and advancing forensic investigative techniques.

References

• Milovanovic, D., & Bartollas, C. (2019). Richard Quinney: A Journey of Discovery. In Criminal Justice Review.
• Rothschild, A., Lurie, E., & Mustafaraj, E. (2019). How the Interplay of Google and Wikipedia Affects Perceptions of Online News Sources. In Computation+ Journalism Symposium.
• Stolarski, P., & Lewoniewski, W. (2019). Wikipedia as an Information Source on Cryptocurrency Technology. In International Conference on Business Information Systems, Springer, Cham.
• Other scholarly articles on cybercrime investigation techniques and educational pathways in criminology.
• Official publications by law enforcement agencies on digital evidence handling and cyber law.
• Recent reports on cybercrime statistics and case studies from reputable cybersecurity firms.
• Academic textbooks on forensic science and criminal justice system principles.
• Government websites providing guidelines on data recovery and digital evidence.
• Peer-reviewed journals exploring the accuracy and credibility of online sources.
• Materials from credible educational institutions governing criminology and forensic science curricula.