Focusing on pure criminology (not criminal justice systems topics), this book takes a broad approach to criminological theory, incorporating sociology, psychology, biology, and ecology. The text blends the theoretical and applied aspects of criminology, incorporating timely topics such as gang violence, substance abuse, serial murder, and satanic cults. Writing from a social sciences perspective, the authors explore why and how crime occurs, and how this knowledge can guide policy development. The authors show the interplay of theory, research, and public policy throughout the text.
Too much editorializing for a textbook. Organization was lacking at times and subject matter lacked a cohesive structure to follow. Honestly, it struck me as a Professor of the subject taking a week or two to regurgitate their class and thoughts onto text without regard for bias or for the purpose of textbooks.