What term describes a person who pursues crime as a day-to-day occupation, developing skilled techniques?

The term that accurately describes a person who engages in crime as a daily occupation and develops specialized skills is "professional criminal." Professional criminals often possess extensive knowledge of criminal activities and may conduct their operations in a systematic way. They are distinguished by their commitment to their illicit activities, often building a network, utilizing advanced techniques, and understanding the legal system to their advantage.

Professional criminals typically differentiate themselves from amateurs or petty criminals by their ongoing, often career-oriented approach to criminality. This may include a focus on more significant, high-stakes crimes, as well as the ability to avoid detection due to their expertise in evading law enforcement. Their skill set is typically refined through experience, making them more adept at both committing crimes and avoiding capture.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in sociology, particularly in discussions about the nature of criminal behavior and the factors that fuel it within various societal contexts.