The world can be a dangerous place. Criminals can be found in nearly every city or town across the globe. With advances in technology, criminals have become increasingly savvy when it comes to committing their crimes. They can use this technology to help cover their tracks, making them harder to capture. This is why criminal justice jobs are so important.
Thousands of people work every day to help keep the public safe. A Drug Enforcement Agency agent infiltrates a drug cartel, leading to one of the biggest drug busts in a decade. A police officer can negotiate the release of hostages from a local bank. A crime scene technician discovers DNA on a single strand of hair, sealing the district attorney’s case. A private investigator conducts a fraud investigation for an insurance agency, saving the agency thousands of dollars. A Department of Homeland Security agent foils a terrorist plot. A U.S. Marshall helps to relocate a family into the Witness Protection Program.
People in criminal justice jobs help catch criminals, protect the public, and make the world a safer place to live in. These jobs may involve collecting evidence, conducting investigations, analyzing crime scenes, arresting perpetrators, defending, or prosecuting offenders, and carrying out punishments. You do not have to become a police officer, attorney, or judge to find jobs in this line of work. In fact, one of the reasons for this field’s popularity is the variety of jobs to pick from.
Criminal Justice Job Tips
Thousands of people choose to enter criminal justice careers each year. The allure of fighting crime and stopping criminals in their tracks draws many people to this profession. However, you do not have to become a police officer or detective to find work in this field. There are a variety of criminal justice jobs you can pick from.
Criminal justice jobs can be found at law enforcement agencies, private investigation agencies, corrections facilities, private businesses, and in the courtroom. These jobs give you a chance to match your passion for fighting crime with other interests. Perhaps you want to help catch criminals, but your strengths are in scientific research and analyzing data. Consider working in a crime lab where you can analyze DNA and other evidence. Maybe you have dreams of becoming a federal agent. You do not just want to catch the criminal, but you want to help those impacted by crimes. Think about becoming a United States Marshall. They are involved in relocating witnesses through the Witness Protection Program.
Many people automatically assume that they will have to work for a federal agency or local or state police departments to find work in this field. However, they are really limiting their job opportunities. Many private organizations will employ criminal justice workers. Events, like football games and concerts, require security guards to protect the performers and guests. Many businesses hire security guards to protect their workers, customers, and property. Companies hire cyber security specialists to protect intellectual property. Certain industries, like insurance, hire fraud investigators to make sure customers are not defrauding them with false claims. You can even start your own business to help fight crime. Private investigators are hired by citizens, businesses, and even law enforcement agencies to uncover clues and evidence.
Criminal justice jobs do not require years of formal education. There are plenty of entry-level law enforcement and security jobs that only require a certification or associate’s degree. Most federal agency jobs only require a bachelor’s degree. After you gain some actual experience in the field, you may decide to go back and earn an advanced criminal justice degree. Many organizations will assist you with these tuition expenses.
Relocation may not be necessary for these jobs. Many companies in your own town, along with local government agencies, offer criminal justice job opportunities. Federal agency jobs are not just found in Washington D.C. Many mid-to-larger sized cities have regional branches of these agencies that you can work at.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Criminal Justice Jobs
Every career has advantages and disadvantages and this field is no different. Most job seekers only think about the positive aspects of criminal justice jobs. They consider the variety of opportunities that exist and the satisfaction of seeing criminals being caught and put behind bars. However, they also need to consider the negatives associated with these jobs. The work is incredibly dangerous and the situations you may find yourself in can be emotionally draining. Here is a list of advantages and disadvantages you should consider to make sure this field is the right fit for you.
Advantages
- Rewarding & Satisfying – There are very few jobs as professionally rewarding as criminal justice jobs. Whether you are a corrections officer, detective, special agent, or crime scene investigator, you are doing your part to keep the public safe from criminals. Knowing that the evidence you uncovered helped to put a serial killer behind bars is satisfying. You know that each day you contribute to stopping criminals in their tracks. Studies show that rewarding and satisfying jobs are more interesting and can lead to higher job performance.
- Many Opportunities – Corrections officers, detectives, criminologists, police officers, fraud investigators, and federal agents are just a few of the criminal justice jobs available. You can match your interests up with different federal law enforcement agencies. Plus, you do not need to work out in the field to catch criminals. You could work in a crime lab analyzing evidence or work as an analyst examining crime statistics. Another benefit is most of these jobs will only require a bachelor’s degree or previous law enforcement experience.
- Ability to Transfer Skills – You may start out as police officer, become a detective, and ultimately own a private investigation agency. The skills you have gained as an officer are easily transferred to those other positions. The skills a security officer gains can make him eligible for corrections officer or police officer positions. While a little training will be necessary when you start a new job, the skills you have already gained can easily transfer.
Disadvantages
- Dangerous and Difficult Work – You may be called to investigate a double homicide or a car accident, assist with hostage negotiations, or respond to a terrorist attack. Dealing with these types of situations day after day can start taking an emotional toll. Will you be strong enough to handle this? Criminal justice workers have some of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They interact with criminals who may do anything to evade arrest. Hundreds of officers and federal agents are wounded each year, some of them fatally.
- Long Hours – Crime happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Police officers, federal agents, detectives, and crime scene investigators are just a few criminal justice jobs that require long hours. You cannot stop chasing down a suspect just because it is 5 p.m. and you have put in your eight hours for the day. Plus, you may have to work different shifts, including the graveyard shift. Travel can also be required. However, you will usually be compensated for these long hours with overtime pay or federal availability pay.
- Mandatory Retirement Age – Many police departments and federal agencies have a mandatory retirement age. Often, you will be required to retire in your mid 50’s. Generous pension plans are usually part of the benefits package you receive. However, those pensions may not be enough to sustain you and your family for the next 30 years. Many of these young retirees will need to go back to work as a security guard, private detective, or investigator.
Criminal Justice Associations and Journals
Criminal justice is a field that requires continuous learning. You do not need to go back and earn a variety of degrees to continue learning. There are plenty of associations you can join and journals you can read to help you stay informed about the latest news and trends in criminal justice.
Associations:
There are a variety of associations dedicated to specific jobs in the criminal justice field. These associations are great places to learn the latest industry news and find out about training classes, seminars, and workshops you can take. Plus, they offer you the opportunity to build your networking connections. Below is a list of National Associations you can join. There are also many state and regional associations dedicated to these jobs.
- National Association of Police Organizations – NAPO works to advance issues important to police officers across the country. The association hosts an annual convention along with seminars on legal and legislative topics. They also manage the TOP COP awards which recognize officers who exhibited outstanding service throughout the year. Their website posts news about legislative activities that may ultimately impact the law enforcement community.
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association – This non-profit, non-partisan association represents law enforcement officers from more than 65 different federal agencies. Their primary goal is to keep members informed about legislative issues that can impact their jobs and their financial futures. Retired and current officers are invited to join. The association also offers a generous scholarship program for the children of current, retired, or deceased members.
- American Correctional Association – For over 135 years, this association has been working to assist corrections workers across the globe. They offer a series of online accredited corrections training programs focusing on mental health, adult corrections, community corrections, and juvenile justice. Networking opportunities abound at their annual conferences and training workshops. Plus, they manage a job bank devoted to corrections positions.
- American Academy of Forensic Science – Evidence technicians, criminalists, attorneys, and document examiners are just a few of the professions who can benefit from the services this academy offers. Professional development, networking, job boards and industry wide recognition are just a few of the benefits. Students who are interested in forensic science can participate in the Young Forensic Scientist’s Forum to learn more about this field.
- The International Crime Scene Investigators Association – This association is for individuals working as a C.S.I. or thinking about becoming one. The association’s site links to upcoming seminars and workshops throughout the country, hosts a job board, and provides information about training and certification programs. People considering a career as a C.S.I. can learn more about the profession, basic crime scene processing kits, and crime scene photography.
- United States Association of Professional Investigators – USPAI is the only nationwide association for professional investigators. Members network through regional seminars and conferences and learn about the latest trends and industry news in PI Magazine. Plus, they are invited to list their services in an exclusive directory.
Qualities of Someone in the Criminal Justice Field
There are a few key qualities that job seekers must possess if they want to be successful in this field. This work is often physically demanding which means you need to stay in shape. You must have a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal laws when apprehending suspects to make sure the evidence sticks. Communication skills are a must. Life and death decisions must be communicated quickly and coherently to fellow agents and officers to help save lives. A few of these qualities will just come naturally. Others must be learned and honed through academy training, college classes, and experience. Let us take an in-depth look at a few of these essential qualities criminal justice jobs require.
Strong Sense of Ethics
Ethics are essential in this line of work. Criminals may not have a sense of right versus wrong, but you must. It can be hard working day after day and seeing some of these criminals walk away scot free. You may be a crime scene lab technician and asked to analyze evidence in a capital murder case. The detectives know, beyond a doubt, that their suspect committed the crime. However, there is a problem; the key piece of evidence has been compromised. If this evidence is not introduced, the suspect will never be convicted. What should you do? These are the types of ethical dilemmas criminal justice workers face every day. The answer, of course, is to exclude the evidence and have the detectives try to find another way to bring the suspect to trial. If your ethics begin to slide, the integrity of your work will be questioned and the public may begin to lose faith in the criminal justice system.
Knowledgeable of Laws
A series of state, local, and federal laws govern criminal justice jobs. It is imperative to have a thorough understanding of these laws. Imagine yourself as a rookie police officer apprehending a bank robbery suspect. In all the excitement of your first arrest, you forget to read him his Miranda Rights. There is a mountain of evidence that will convict this robber, so the prosecutor is convinced that she will get a conviction. However, the case is thrown out because you did not follow one of the most basic laws. The robber gets off and heads out to commit another crime. There are very few second chances in this field. It is your responsibility to stay abreast of laws that impact your ability to perform your job.
Physically Fit
Police officers, federal agents, and detectives are just a few of the criminal justice jobs that will require you to be physically fit. Criminals usually do not easily surrender themselves. Often, agents and officers will have to chase them on-foot. If you have a hard time walking down the street or are huffing and puffing trying to run a mile, then you probably won’t be too great in this line of work. The suspects will be able to outrun you and get away! In fact, many departments or agencies will perform physical fitness assessments on potential employees. If you are serious about landing a job in criminal justice, start getting in shape now. It may end up being a deciding factor as to whether you land the position.
Good Communication Skills
It does not matter what criminal justice job you are going after. Communication skills are essential. Work in this field is often dangerous. Officers and agents must be able to clearly communicate the nature of the situation and describe where backup needs to be sent. These officers may also be called to testify at a trial. They need to concisely state the facts in terms that a jury can easily understand. Private investigators also need to have excellent communication skills. The information they uncover because of their investigation may be difficult to understand or painful to contemplate. They must be able to tactfully relay this information to their clients.
Leadership Skills
You do not need to be a manager to display leadership skills. Regardless of which criminal justice job you pursue, you will, at some point in your career, need to step up and lead. Police officers cannot always call in to see if it is OK to make an arrest. The criminal is on the move and a split-second decision needs to be made. The officer must lead and decide whether to pursue the suspect. At times, it can be hard to display leadership skills. It is much easier to follow. However, your leadership skills will help co-workers gain confidence in your abilities, leading to even better employment opportunities for you.
Alert to the World around Them
Criminals do not take a break from crime. Neither do criminal justice workers. They know that they must always be alert. As terrorism has swept across the globe, these workers know that a terrorist only must be successful one time to unleash unthinkable destruction. Criminal justice workers must always be alert to prevent these crimes. They develop techniques to spot things that seem a little off and look for behavior that may lead to suspicious activities. These techniques are developed through training and on-the-job experience.
Journals:
Journals give you the chance to learn about changes in law enforcement procedures, updates to the current law code, and advances in forensic science without having to attend seminars, lectures, or workshops. Journals are often designed for a specific criminal justice field. Here is a quick look at a few of the criminal justice journals available.
- The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin – Since 1932, the FBI has published this monthly bulletin that covers topics of interest to the law enforcement community. Articles will cover a wide range of topics including police patrolling, effective firearms training, changes in protocols, reporting accuracy, and legislative and judicial issues.
- The Corrections Compendium – The American Correctional Association publishes this research oriented and peer-reviewed journal four times a year. Each issue contains a mix of featured articles, state and national criminal justice news, commentary by professional and academics, book reviews, and international profiles.
- Journal of Forensic Sciences – The American Academy of Forensic Science produces this journal for their members. A wide variety of forensic science topics are covered including current trends, technology advances, regulatory updates, and new research methods. A subscription will also provide you access to more than 7,000 pages of back issues.
- Journal of Criminal Justice – Published six times a year, this journal covers national and international criminal justice topics. Articles discuss corrections issues, policing policies, society’s role in helping chronic offenders, rehabilitation practices, and the impact technology has on law enforcement.
- PI Magazine – Private investigators do not have their own research oriented journal, but they do have an informative magazine they can reference. Magazine features discuss surveillance techniques, pros and cons of working for different organizations, small business tips, technology reviews, books to read, and upcoming investigation seminars and workshops
