Diving Deeper: Crime Categories

Crimes aren’t all the same. Criminologists study different types and the people who commit them.

Major Types

• Organized Crime: Groups like the mafia, involved in illegal business.
• Cybercrime: Crimes that use computers, like identity theft.
• Hate Crimes: Targeting victims because of race, religion, or identity.
• Environmental Crime: Illegal acts harming the environment.

Criminal Typologies

Some criminals act alone, others in groups. There are also “career criminals” who keep offending, and “situational offenders” who break the law just once.

Why Classification Matters

Knowing the type of crime helps law enforcement and policymakers decide the best response.