crime

Popular career-opportunities in Criminal Justice

For some, a degree in criminal justice is the first step in higher education; for others, it's the pinnacle. In either case, it's really only the beginning. There are several career options for these graduates because of the huge demand for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. Many of these professionals get their start as graduates and can work in a jurisdiction that spans the country, state or city. Jobs include work in the police force such as a police officer, detective, state trooper and prison guards; in the federal force such as federal agent, customs and border patrol; or as lawyers and judges. Some of the popular career options are:

Careers in Local Law Enforcement

You can find a career that matches your liking at the local-level working in positions with the Sheriff’s department, county police, juvenile justice system and the park police. These jobs include local police officers, sheriffs, game wardens, detectives, and mounted park police.

Careers in State Law Enforcement

At the state-level there are employment opportunities in the narcotics bureaus, state forensic labs, liquor control boards and state police. You may also choose to “get your hands dirty” and work in the labs investigating crime scene proof or work in the courts as a paralegal or a bailiff - the enforcement officer of the tribunal.

Careers in Federal Law Enforcement

Career options at the federal level require you to pass an elaborate security check and background clearance. There are rewarding options for a person with an advanced degree here. You can find employment in the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Immigration and Naturalization Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and US Marshals. Employment as US Customs Agents, Forensic scientists and as Secret Service agents are highly sought after.

The growth in the employment of criminal justice specialists is driven by security concerns. The annual earnings in the various departments related to criminal justice range from $42,020 to $78,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you would like more information regarding criminal justice careers, check out www.login2criminaljustice.com