There are other positions in criminal justice. A crime analyst may deal with crime statistics (usually computerized data) in such a manner as to provide decision-making advice on how to deploy personnel and implement programs designed to address crime problems. A criminal intelligence analyst looks at individual crimes or a specific type of crime in an effort to disclose linkages to people, places, or things. Some may do both.
Many major police and state and federal agencies employ criminal intelligence analysts. These positions are generally limited, therefore they may be more difficult to get than a peace officer position. And, you will probably be competing against former military intelligence personnel. You may have to start at an administrative position and work your way into the intel position. All state and local agencies employ dispatchers and other administrative personnel.
Some universities offer degrees in intelligence analysis. The American Public Univ System (apus.edu) is an accredited online university that offers 4yr and graduate degrees in intelligence and public safety (pertinent to physical security occupations).
Intelligence analysis consists mainly of review of documents, seeking connections and logical inferences in an effort to predict future events or establish prior associations. Whether or not it is interesting or boring varies from person to person, and may involve computer aided analysis. Intelligence analysis is generally divided into two classes, strategic and tactical. Strategic intelligence looks at the “big picture” with a longer-term focus, allowing prediction of future enforcement needs; while tactical intelligence concerns more immediate activities of specific offenders or organizations.
There are other positions within the arena of criminal justice that may be easier to get with a CJ degree, like probation, corrections, juvenile justice positions, investigative assistants in federal agencies, and possibly some positions more closely aligned with social work (like pretrial assessment). There are numerous books available that identify positions closely aligned with criminal justice. And, there are web sites, a quick check came up with:
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=criminal+justice+careers&page=1&qsrc=178&ab=4&u=http://careers.cua.edu/handouts/criminaljusticecareers.htm. There are also physical security positions in government and in the private sector that do not have physical fitness requirements. Any private company of any sized either contracts for or employs security of some sort. ASIS International (asisonline.org) is a private security organization that provides certifications in several areas of security.
Each state has a process for licensing private investigators, check the internet to identify the appropriate state agency (Dept of Public Safety in TX) for licensing requirements, and for a state PI association that sponsors training. A licensed agency may employ individuals as trainees.