9-1-1 is the number that American people call when there is an emergency. Essentially, 9-1-1 starts the criminal justice process. The events of September 11, 2001 gave the number new significance. The catastrophe was the result of a carefully planned terrorist plot. This leads to the discussion of whether terrorism is a crime. Terrorism is discussed in relation to seven transnational crimes. The reach of criminology is further discussed in terms of the economy, the environment, and globalization. Next, there is a discussion of the conceptualization and definition of criminology. Edwin H. Sutherland’s definition of criminology is used to frame the remainder of the explanation, including the making of laws, the breaking of laws, and society’s reaction to the breaking of laws. The chapter concludes emphasizing the importance of research informing policy.
