What is the difference between a criminologist and a criminalist?

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A criminologist is a person who analyzes crime and criminal behaviors and attempts to provide explanations as to who commits crime and why they do it. A criminologist analyzes a criminal’s behavior and the methods he or she employs. Criminologists may work independently, or they may be employed by public law enforcement agencies, private universities or security companies. A criminologist develops profiles of criminals and criminal behavior using research and studies that examine psychological behavior, social issues, environmental factors, education levels and biological factors. Criminologists also help make crime statistics into usable tools for law enforcement agencies. By developing profiles and organizing statistics into meaningful information, a criminologist strives to develop strategies to help prevent criminal behavior. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-criminologist.htm A criminalist is a person with a background in science, typically having at least a baccalaureate degree in an area such as chemistry, biology, forensic science, or criminalistics. Some criminalists have degrees in other, similarly related areas. Many criminalists have advanced degrees. With the above scientific background and additional training given by his/her employer (either a government or private laboratory) a criminalist applies scientific methods and techniques to examine and analyze evidentiary items and testifies in court as to his or her findings. http://www.cacnews.org/membership/criminalistics.shtml Dec 25 10, 11:38 AM