Emile Durkheim stated that “crime is inevitable and a natural response to society.” His viewpoint emphasizes how deviance is the first step towards social change and is a natural part of human existence and society. On the other hand, crime negatively affects society. Therefore, social control institutions are required to keep the amount of crime in check. 

Crime may be defined as an act that violates the social norms or legal codes of the country. A criminal act is committed to causing harm. A crime can be committed out of impulse, with motive, or with pre-planning & calculation. In addition to that, frustration, pressing circumstances, or habits can also cause crime. Crime is a concept as old as time. However, with time, we have changed how we view it as well as deal with it.

According to Canter & Young, “The study of crime is the main avenue to understanding what makes the society function.” Crime is seen as an aspect of society, not just something that is an activity committed by individual/s. When different aspects of criminality and its consequences come to light, it can help us understand, accept it as a natural aspect of society that can be changed for preventive measures. Criminologists, psychologists, sociologists apply their knowledge and expertise to understand why a crime was committed, how to best deal with it and how to reduce its incidence. 

Experts of the psychology of crime are professionally referred to as criminal and forensic psychologists. Their clients can belong to any age group, and often involve offenders in prison, offenders post-release, at-risk youth or individuals, victims, families of offenders, and victims.