Other Criminal Justice Careers
State and federal governments operate court systems that provide many other career opportunities for the criminal justice graduate. Besides obtaining a law degree and becoming a lawyer or judge, criminal justice majors might work as court counselors, pretrial officers, victim services counselors, or bailiffs.
State and federal governments also operate correctional facilities. Three of every five correctional jobs are supplied by state systems. A few of the positions available in correctional facilities are: correctional treatment specialist, corrections counselor, juvenile probation officer, parole officer, warden, clinical psychologist, caseworker, substance abuse specialist, and facilities specialist.
The federal government has fewer opportunities, but the positions tend to offer more variety and a higher profile. Individual departments within the federal government have their own particular needs and requirements for law enforcement personnel. Some of these are:
* Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI employs agents to investigate crime, conduct undercover assignments, examine business records for evidence of white-collar crime, collect evidence of espionage, and track movement of stolen property across state lines. These agents are specifically charged with the responsibility of investigating organized crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, kidnapping, bank robbery, and much more.
* Drug Enforcement Agency. It is the primary responsibility of the DEA to enforce regulations relating to illegal drugs. DEA agents may be assigned to infiltrate a drug-trafficking group, conduct surveillance of suspected drug activities, or pursue U.S. drug-related activities overseas
* U.S. Marshals. These officers are involved in nearly all federal law enforcement activities and have the authority to pursue federal fugitives. They protect the federal judiciary and are charged with transporting federal prisoners.
* Immigration and Naturalization Services. Border agents, immigration inspectors, criminal investigators, and immigration agents are assigned to protect more than 8,000 miles of U.S. border from illegal entry. They patrol the borders, but also interview people and inspect passports of those seeking entry to the United States. INS agents may also be used to detect the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.
* Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. These agents investigate violations of federal laws involving alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives, as well as violations involving child pornography, customs fraud, narcotics, and others.
* U.S. Customs. Inspectors examine incoming cargo and baggage from trains, vehicles, aircrafts, and vessels. Their job is to prevent any type of contraband from entering the country illegally. Other agencies. Some of the other federal agencies that provide opportunities for criminal justice graduates are the Secret Service, Department of State, Forest Service, National Park Service, Postal Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Law Enforcement.
Criminal justice careers are available in any number of agencies. Forensic scientists may work at all levels of law enforcement, although it is unlikely that they would be employed at smaller police departments. Forensic experts might specialize in drug, homicide, sex offenses, child abuse, and arson investigations. Their primary roles are to collect and process information that can be used as evidence in court. Some specialties include: arson investigator, ballistics expert, document specialist, fingerprint specialist, polygraph examiner, and toolmark specialist.
In private security, organizations contract with individuals or companies to protect property and prevent losses of all types. Some of the most common groups or businesses that contract for private security are amusement parks, mall, colleges, hospitals, country clubs, and many different retail and industrial clients.
Criminal justice graduates might use their major as the foundation to move into other fields of law. Some go on to become defense and protecting attorneys, public interest advocates, and state attorneys general. Others have gone on to become officers in the military. Those interested in pursuing a career in research can obtain a Ph.D. and become a college professor.
Another career option is that of private detective. Detectives conduct surveillance primarily on individuals to obtain information for their clients. They might be used to obtain evidence in cases involving insurance fraud, child custody, employment verification, or even infidelity. Law firms, corporations, and individuals all use private detectives to uncover evidence for their own purposes. A single company, such as a retail store, might even employ detectives to prevent shoplifting and theft.
Answered By: Silvia - 4/20/2010 |