Criminologists have revealed a new software program that helps probation officers determine the likelihood of future law-breaking by recently released criminals.
Richard Berk, professor of criminology at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), headed up the research for and design of the program. Criminal justice workers in Baltimore and Philadelphia are already making use of its services, ABC News reports.
The research began by sifting through data relating to approximately 60,000 crimes. Criminologists at UPenn then took commonalities from this information and were able to create an algorithm that produces the likelihood of a repeat crime based on an offender's history.
Criminal justice majors who wish to do work of this nature over the course of their careers can expect to see favorable career prospects in the coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Security and law enforcement jobs are on the rise as our nation strives to deal with issues of cybercrime, terrorism and and violence.
Those interested in teaching and research in criminology can expect a mean salary of more $60,000 a year if they choose to work in junior colleges, professional schools and four-year institutions.
