I became a Professor in Criminology at Staffordshire University in 2017, having started my career as a   Lecturer in Criminology in 2003 at the University of Central England.  Before I moved into academia I had previously worked for NACRO and the National Probation Service.  I have previously held academic posts at Birmingham Law School (University of Birmingham) the Centre for Applied Criminology (Birmingham City University) and the Department of Criminology (University of Leicester).  I am currently a member of the executive with the British Society of Criminology (and act as Chair of the Prizes Committee).  I was academic advisor on the Howard League Commission into Ex-Military Personnel in Prison (advising the inquiry chair Sir John Nutting QC). I was opening speaker at the launch of Secretary of State for Justice′s Inquiry into Veterans within the Criminal Justice System in London in April 2014.My research is largely based on ethnography and in depth interviewing.  I undertook a long term ethnographic study of the English Defence League publishing material from that project (with Simon Winlow and Steve Hall) in the well-received book ‘Rise of the Right’.  Prior to that, I used ethnographic methods to study the August 2011 English Riots and material generated from that project featured in ‘Riots and Political Protest’ (With Simon Winlow, Steve Hall and Dan Briggs).  My Sage published textbook ‘Criminology’ (2013) is in its second edition and is used as an introduction to the subject of criminology at several universities. I have contributed to a number of criminology and sociology edited collections.  I have published articles in international Journals such as the British Journal of Criminology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Crime, Media, Culture and the Howard Journal of Criminal Justice

This book is an excellent springboard into the world of criminology and academic study. It has been on the essential reading list for all my 1st year criminology undergraduate students since it was published, and this revised and expanded 2nd edition brings a welcome update, including useful new sections on race and hate crime and cybercrime. The book is a truly student-friendly introduction for those new to the subject area. Not only does it provide an understandable overview of key criminological concepts and core issues, but crucially it links these to the achievement of degree-level learning and assessment, through facilitating critical thinking and clearly explaining how to best develop university study skills. Dr Kate WilliamsUniversity of Wolverhampton Criminology recruits undergraduate students from all sorts of backgrounds. As they enter their first year they confront a dauntingly complex and diverse discipline. Therefore, a no-nonsense basic primer is an essential survival tool. For me, Treadwell′s book, which covers everything from underlying philosophical principles to exam tips, is the most comprehensive and accessible basic primer on the market.Steve HallProfessor of Criminology, Teesside University The second edition of Criminology: The Essentials is just what it promises - a no-nonsense, straightforward and immensely engaging guide to the fundamental issues and concerns facing criminologists today. James Treadwell′s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through every page and this lively little volume will prove an indispensable introduction for countless students of criminology at schools, colleges and universities.Yvonne JewkesProfessor of Criminology, University of Leicester This is a welcome updating of an extremely useful text for undergraduate students in criminology. The work has responded to feedback and developments in more contemporary aspects of criminology, and it continues to emphasise to students the need to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, so if offers clear insight into criminology and also guidance for study at higher education level.James Treadwell has an engaging writing style and he places explanations of offending and how society responds to this in a context which students can relate to and grasp. This is vital in an introductory text and it offers a very good, comprehensive start to providing students with an understanding of criminology and criminal justice policy. The core parts of the text continue to guide students through key concepts, theory and prominent authors who have offered these theories, with continued emphasis on critically analysing these views and ensuring students understand the importance of reading beyond mandatory and introductory texts.Susie AthertonSenior Lecturer, De Montfort University

• PART ONE: INTRODUCTION IntroductionHow to Use This BookWhy Use This Book?Criminology Essentials: Thinking Like a CriminologistWhat Is Crime?Perspectives on CrimeCategorising Criminological TheoryPART TWO: CORE AREAS OF THE CURRICULUMThe Origins of CriminologyResearch Methods in CriminologyLocating Crime Within the Individual: Biological and Psychological ApproachesCrime as External to the Individual: Classic Sociological TheoriesContemporary CriminologyCrime Statistics and Crime DataCrime and the MediaYouth and CrimeGender and CrimeRace and Hate CrimePenologySerious CrimeCybercrimeVictimologyPART THREE: STUDY, WRITING AND REVISION SKILLS General IntroductionDealing with TheoryHow to Get the Most Out of Your LecturesHow to Make the Most from Your Seminars Essay Writing TipsRevision Hints and TipsExam TipsPART FOUR GlossaryBibliographyIndex