This is a comprehensive introduction to criminology for students who are either new or relatively new to the subject. It provides the basis of study for undergraduate students, new postgraduate students, and those who need a foundation knowledge of criminology for other relevant courses -- including access and foundation degree courses in colleges and universities, courses in law, probation, policing, criminal and forensic investigation and on other aspects of crime and the criminal justice system. Key points include: fully comprehensive -- covering all major areas of criminology and criminal justice as well as guidance on disseration/long-essay writing authoritative -- written by a leading criminologist and experienced teacher broad approach -- moves beyond sociological approaches to crime and criminal justice to take account of the contribution of other disciplines up-to-date -- informed by QAA subject benchmarks for the teaching of criminology extensively illustrated with photographs, charts, tables and diagrams and a range of questions for students to discuss and debate additional website support for students and teachers.