One of the interesting things about criminal justice careers is that most people only think of jobs relating to law enforcement, but in truth, there is much more to this particular sector. In fact, some criminal justice careers might be surprising since they seem a little disconnected but all of the different opportunities listed below fall under the same umbrella and play a key role in the overall criminal justice system.
ATF Agent
The ATF agent works for the United States federal government and has the responsibility of monitoring laws pertaining to alcohol, tobacco, and firearms, thus the acronym ATF. In addition, an ATF agent monitors different cases being handled. Interestingly, the United States Department of Treasury is the branch of the government that supports this criminal justice career.
Although an ATF agent works a variety of jobs to include cases involving stores selling alcohol to underage people to illegal firearms sales. However, this particular career has now expanded to monitoring criminal behavior and taking necessary action against terrorism. At minimum, a person would need a four-year college degree, be 21 years of age or older, and pass both drug screening and physical examination before being hired.
Bailiff
This, too, is one of the many criminal justice careers an individual could consider. The primary role of this person is to maintain order in a court of law. However, during court trials of one day or more, the bailiff would also oversee jury, defendant, and prisoner behavior. While not mandatory, most courts prefer to hire a person with a criminal justice college degree or at minimum, some knowledge or experience in the law enforcement sector.
CIA Agent
Otherwise known as the Central Intelligence Agency, this type of career is actually among the oldest in the criminal justice system. As with an ATF agent, a CIA agent works for the United States government and works overseas to offer protection to citizens of America, as well as the country’s assets. To become a CIA agent, an individual would need to have strict discipline, be extremely focused, and have a high level of intelligence.
One of the key criteria for this criminal justice career is being fluent in a minimum of one foreign language. While a college degree is not required, it is strongly preferred, especially when being assigned as an actual CIA agent or analyst.
Coast Guard
Although the Coast Guard is one of the military branches, it is also considered a criminal justice degree. The people who work in the Coast Guard are part of an elite team that provides specialized protection. Although a bachelor’s degree from a college or university is not mandated, it would be beneficial for a person to leave high school and go directly into the Coast Guard Academy. Other options that would help in being hired include the completion of Officer Candidate School or for the individual to get involved with a Direct Commissioning Program.
Compliance Officer
This is one of the more unique criminal justice careers in that rather than be on the streets fighting crime, the person in this position would be responsible for implementing and enforcing rules for all areas of both private and public sector. For instance, this would include involvement with worker’s rights, as well as environmental organizations. Depending on the organization, this officer may be required to enroll in a special training program or attain certification, which usually occurs after being hired.
Computer Forensics
One of the fastest growing criminal justice careers has to do with computer forensics. The specialist in this job might work for the United States government, small to medium businesses or large corporations, or consulting firms. With vast knowledge of computers, hacking processes, networks, security systems, laws on both local and national levels, and much more, this person would investigate computer crimes. This could be related to Homeland Security, child pornography, terrorism, hacking, and so on.
Corrections Officer
Another one of the older criminal justice careers, a correction officer works in a jail, prison, detention center, and sometimes, court environment. While the main job functions include conducting prisoner and prison cell searches, monitoring inmates during visitation with family and friends, escorting prisoners to and from court, passing out meals, and the list goes on. However, depending on the system of incarceration and the individual’s experience and education, other duties would be performed.
At minimum, an Associate’s degree would be required, but when working in a large prison or in a supervisory position, a Bachelor’s degree could be required. A corrections officer works in a hostile environment where physical threat is common which is why this particular career is not for everyone.
Crime Scene Investigator
Many people believe this to be one of the more exciting criminal justice careers. Because of the nature of this job, an individual would be required to complete highly specialized education and training. In the crime scene investigator role, all elements of a crime scene would be evaluated and examined, and all evidence collected and cataloged.
In this investigative role, the person could be called to perform services at scenes of murder, rape, burglary, robbery, assault, and more. For some states, a crime scene investigator would need to be a commissioned police officer with a set number of years of experience whereas in other states, a crime scene investigator is a civilian employee.
Regardless, to qualify for a criminal justice career such as this, extensive education and training would be required, usually to include a minimum of four years of college. Along with being responsible for not contaminating a crime scene and collecting all evidence, this person would be expected to interact with police officers, lawyers, and medical examiners, and in fact, a crime scene investigator is often called to testify in court cases.
Criminalist
This particular career is a category of the criminal investigation system whereby the person would be responsible for examining physical evidence identified at a crime scene. In addition, unbiased reports would be written and submitted regarding evidence found, test results, crime scene, and more. Often, this professional would be called upon to be an expert witness during a court proceeding or trial.
A criminalist works for a number of employers to include the United States government, forensic laboratories, a medical examiner’s office, law enforcement organizations, and private sector businesses. As a specialized type of criminal justice career, a bachelor’s degree would be mandatory at minimum. To become more knowledgeable and marketable, becoming certified with the American Board of Criminalistics would be highly recommended.
Criminologist
In this case, research would be conducted and advice offered for specific cases but also the criminal justice system as a whole. Some of the qualifications to work as a criminologist include possessing knowledge of new developments specific to criminal psychology, corrections, drug addiction, juvenile justice, race, and again, the entire criminal justice system. A criminologist focuses on study of both criminal law and behavior.
For this career, an individual would work for private organizations or government agencies. With this being an extremely specialized and analytical field, a person would need at least a master’s degree, although many pursue a Phd especially if going into the educational sector. As a professor, psychology, law reform, and related topics would be covered.
Customs Agent
Another one of the exciting and fast growing criminal justice careers is the customs agent. Each country has a customs system whereby people coming into the country as a resident of another country or a resident of that country returning after traveling abroad would have luggage searched for drugs, as well as illegal or restricted items. However, a customs agent would check boats and shipping coming into dock; weigh, measure, and inspect cargo being shipped, and other duties to protect the country of entry.
For qualifications working with the United States customs system, a person would need to be at least 21 years of age, be a citizen of the United States, and complete necessary education. As part of education, the person would learn about immigration laws and policies, terrorism surveillance, and so on. In some countries, a customs agent would need some experience in this or another criminal justice field.
DEA Agent
This agent works for the Drug Enforcement Administration. The main goal of this professional is to enforce all laws pertaining to illegal drugs and controlled substances. Not only would this cover use, but also growing, as well as distribution. Other responsibilities of a DEA agent include investigation of drug dealers, following leads within the United States and abroad regarding growing and distribution, individuals or rings, and even providing citizens of the United States with protection against drug dealers.
To be hired as a DEA Agent, an individual must be at least 21 years of age and have a bachelor’s degree at minimum, preferably in the criminal justice sector. However, after being hired by the United States federal government, this person would be required to undergo physical and mental examinations, followed by completing physical, mental, and professional intense and specialized training. A DEA agent often works in hostile environments while conducting investigations and surveillance.
FBI Agent
As an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this person would be directly involved with the investigation of criminals, as well as situations associated with organized crime, white collar crime, terrorism, cyber-terrorism, cyber-security, corruption, fraud, and sometimes, crimes of violent nature. Some of the primary duties include making arrests, organizing/conducting raids, conducting surveillance, interviewing suspects and witnesses, traveling nationally and internationally, coordinating efforts with law enforcement divisions, and working with attorneys.
To work as an FBI agent, an individual needs to have a bachelor’s degree at minimum although a master’s degree or higher would be beneficial. Additionally, this person would need to be 23 to 27 years of age, a United States citizen, a minimum of three years of professional work experience, preferably in some criminal justice field, and complete a thorough background investigation. As an FBI agent, facing dangerous situations is common.
Forensic Psychology
This is an extremely interesting criminal justice career in which criminal behavior is analyzed. In this role, an individual would interview inmates and defendants, followed by providing a report to the appropriate attorney, as well as judge. A forensic psychologist will sometimes get involved in teaching university level education, as well as teach at parole and/or probation agencies, the district attorney’s office, and various law enforcement departments.
A doctoral degree or PhD is mandatory to work in forensic psychology. In addition, this individual would design a degree program. During studies for an undergraduate or graduate degree, this person would find it beneficial to complete an internship and fellowship. Then after completion and earning a PhD, to work as a forensic psychologist, an individual would be required to obtain certification or preferably licensing, both that require a specialized test to be taken and passed.
Forensic Science
This too is one of the most exciting and fastest growing criminal justice careers due to increasing demand. In this field, a person would work as a forensic science technician or forensic scientists, each with unique job responsibilities and qualifying factors. Some of the main duties performed include analyzing DNA, fingernail or hair samples, toxins, medications and illegal drugs, fingerprints, and more. In fact, someone in the forensic science field would also analyze various weapons and bullets.
After analysis, official reports would be prepared and presented to lawyers and/or law enforcement agents. For both positions, a bachelor’s degree would be required at minimum. While not always mandatory, it is common for both the employer to prefer a technician or scientist to have prior scientific or crime lab experience. Other qualifications include expertise in technical and/or scientific arenas, as well as excellent communication and handwriting skills.
Homeland Security
Although there are many exciting criminal justice careers, Homeland Security is not only one of the more exciting and fastest growing, but it is without doubt the most vital. There are many different types and levels of jobs pertaining to criminal justice associated with Homeland Security but one always in high demand is the security officer. This person has the distinct responsibility of protecting the people and country from terrorists.
Whether watching people, situations, or actions, a Homeland Security officer is highly trained to identify potential risks and take appropriate measures. Working as a team with other enforcement officers, a Homeland Security officer holds position in airports, train stations, bus stations, shipping ports, country borders, and so on. Along with monitoring for entry of illegal immigrants, this person would check baggage, conduct surveillance, track suspicious documents or merchandise, and the list goes on.
ICE Agent
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement or ICE is a division of Homeland Security and a very challenging but also rewarding criminal justice career. Working as an ICE agent, the goal is to keep illegal drugs, weapons, people, and items out of the country. This person would work for the United States government and be responsible for monitoring customs checkpoints but also enforce commercial airline counter-terrorism policies, as well as immigration laws.
To work as an ICE agent, also called an INS agent, a person would need a bachelor’s degree, be a citizen of the United States, have a five-year history of living in the United States, be under the age of 40. Someone considering a career such as this needs to understand that because of the work involved, an ICE agent works in dangerous situations.
Law Enforcement Officers
When referring to “law enforcement officers” as one of the many available criminal justice careers, this could be a police officer, border patrol officer, deputy, prison guard, or security guard. Although there are some variances to job functions, each position would be responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States. Most departments require a bachelor’s degree although there are some companies that will hire a security guard or prison guard with an associate’s degree or even high school diploma.
To quality for any law enforcement position, an individual would preferably have a four-year college degree, preferably have a completed internship, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and have knowledge of local, state, and national laws. In these positions, a person could work patrol on the streets, patrol the borders of the United States, provide service at an airport, shopping mall, hospital, or some other private/public sector, and more.
Another area is working as a detective, which involves the investigation of suspects, witnesses, situations, crimes, and more. This person would also be qualified to make arrests and manage evidence. As a detective, a tremendous amount of paperwork is involved to capture, document, and report pertinent information. For this, a four-year degree is preferred and often the person who works as a detective was initially a law enforcement officer.
Secret Service
A secret service agent holds a pristine position and has the responsibility of protection not only the lives of elected officials but also the families. Working for the government, an agent protects most is the President of the United States of America. This criminal justice career comes with extremely high demands that include being in dangerous situations and in fact a secret service agent is trained to put his or her life on the line for the person being protected.
Qualifications are strict to include passing various tests and meeting a number of requirements related to age, vision, background, work experience, and education. At minimum, a bachelor’s degree would be required, as well as at least three years of experience working in one or more criminal justice fields. In addition, this person has to be a citizen of the United States and be prepared to be called to duty at any time and in many different situations. Along with high profile protection, an agent would also be involved with crime, fraud, theft, and counterfeiting investigation.
US Marshall
The last of the criminal justice careers we wanted to provide information on is the US Marshall. As part of the federal law enforcement agency, a US Marshall’s primary role is tracking down fugitives and bringing them in to stand trial. Unlike many other careers associated with criminal justice, this professional can conduct investigations and make arrests around the world.
As imagined, many of the situations in which a US Marshall works are stressful and extremely dangerous. To qualify as a US Marshall, a person must be between 21 and 36 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of three years of experience in criminal justice or education, and pass a thorough background check.