From Biological Determinism To Modern Criminology: Lombroso's Influence On Police Practices

Abstract

This article explores in depth the influence of Cesare Lombroso's theories on criminology and contemporary police practices, addressing the lasting impact of his ideas, especially the theory of the "born delinquent". Lombroso argued that certain physical and biological characteristics could predispose an individual to criminal behavior, which significantly marked the study of crime and influenced public perception of criminality. Initially acclaimed, his theories were fundamental in the construction of policies of social control and public security, shaping criminal profiling practices.  However, the article also analyzes criticisms of Lombrosian ideas, especially regarding biological determinism, which neglected social and psychological aspects. The authors reflect on Lombroso's controversial legacy, considering how his ideas have been challenged and reshaped over time, driving criminology towards more ethical and multidimensional theoretical models. The article also discusses the impact of these theories on contemporary police practices, exploring how modern criminology seeks to understand criminal behavior in an integrated manner, addressing social, psychological, and cultural factors. Thus, this article contributes to the critical analysis of the development of criminal sciences and the pursuit of a more inclusive and ethical criminology that values the complexity of human nature and the multiple causes of criminality.