Integrating criminology, criminal justice, and crime science in conservation science and practice

Abstract

It has been argued that the integration of the social sciences is crucial in understanding the human dimensions of conservation. Because the human dimensions of conservation can include the violation of conservation law and policies, criminology, criminal justice, and crime science may prove useful for the broader conservation community by providing insight into factors that influence criminal behavior, how the criminal justice system functions, and how crime occurs and can be prevented. Fortunately, criminologists, criminal justice scholars, and crime scientists are increasingly conducting conceptual and empirical research on conservation-related topics. We devised a theory of change that demonstrates how these fields can be integrated along with other conservation social sciences, and how enabling conditions can foster the integration of criminology, criminal justice, and crime science in conservation science and practice.