Introduction

Welcome to this Open Educational Resource (OER) on computers and criminal justice. This resource has been created to offer students, educators, and lifelong learners a clear, accessible, and engaging overview of the issues, theories, and practices that influence the study of crime in both physical and digital environments. By using openly licensed materials, this resource not only lowers the cost of education but also guarantees that knowledge is freely accessible and adaptable to suit the diverse needs of learners.

Crime goes beyond individual actions; it is a social issue that mirrors patterns of inequality, power, culture, and technological advancements. Understanding crime involves examining its causes, effects, and the responses of the justice system, from policing and courts to corrections and community programs. Today, these questions also extend into digital realms, where privacy, surveillance, data protection, and cybercrime have become key challenges for governments, businesses, and individuals alike.

This OER introduces students to the fundamentals of criminology while also emphasizing the rapid rise of cybercrime as a global issue. By connecting traditional criminological theory with modern digital security concerns, this text prepares students to analyze crime in both offline and online settings critically.

Throughout the modules, you will:

• Examine the main concepts, theories, and debates in criminology.
• Explore the nature and extent of cybercrime, including new types of digital victimization.
• Examine privacy, surveillance, and data protection as key concerns in the digital age.
• Consider how law enforcement agencies, governments, and international organizations monitor, investigate, and respond to cybercrime.
• Connect criminological theory to real-world policy and practice.

Each module features a mix of readings, case studies, multimedia resources, and interactive activities to enhance understanding and practical use of the material. Glossary terms are integrated throughout the text to make key concepts easy to access and review.

This OER is divided into modules that gradually progress from basic knowledge to more advanced applications. Students might follow the chapters in order as part of a course or use individual sections as references for research, projects, or independent learning. Instructors are encouraged to modify, remix, and expand this resource to meet their students’ needs and institutional requirements.

The study of criminology is not static because it changes with society, technology, and global events. As you work through these modules, think about how the theories and practices you learn relate to current issues, from data breaches and identity theft to debates about surveillance, privacy, and overcriminalization. More importantly, reflect on your role as a student, professional, or citizen in helping create fair and effective responses to crime.

This OER isn’t just about learning what has been written before; it’s about preparing you to analyze, question, and contribute to ongoing conversations about crime and justice in the twenty-first century.