Types Of Law Enforcement Jobs
While some criminal justice jobs are a bit riskier than others, they are all very rewarding positions. Working to uphold the law has a certain prestige, and many people respect those who do so. When considering a career in criminal justice, you will need to decide what kind of job you'd like to work. This is because some careers require college while others do not. So, it would be to your advantage to obtain this information especially if you do not plan on returning to school. Criminal justice jobs include but are not limited to:
Deputy
Sheriff
Detective
Sergeant
Police officer
Detention Aides
Probation officer
Correctional Officer
Crime Scene Investigator
Local Differences in Law Enforcement Job Requirements
The above positions may require some secondary education. For some, there are no blanket requirements because each jurisdiction has its own specifications. For instance, in the city of Chicago, you must attend college and receive 60 semester hours in criminal justice prior to applying for the position. This was not always true, however, it was implemented a few years ago. In the same city, police officers will no longer have to baby-sit criminals whom they jail. There will soon be detention aides to watch over criminals who have been brought into the station. This was recently implemented by newly elected Chicago mayor, so the job specifications have not been given, however, it may be the same as the police officers' qualifications.
Positions Which May Not Require Criminal Justice Degrees
The following are three criminal justice jobs for which a secondary education is not a necessity, however it is always good to have one. Majoring in criminal justice can give a prospective employee information concerning history of the criminal justice system, code of conduct, laws, regulations, and statutes. There is so much more which can be learned, however, the below positions do not require such education:
1. Sheriff
2. Deputy
3. Correction Officers
Keep in mind that local municipalities have the right to require certain experience or education from those who are seeking criminal justice jobs in their jurisdiction.
Careers with a Four-Year Law Enforcement Degree
If you prefer to go to college to pursue a criminal justice career, you will find it to be very rewarding because of the career choices you'll have upon completion. There are quite a few criminal justice jobs which you will be eligible for, and for the most part, it will depend on what direction you prefer to head with your Criminal Justice Degrees. Some career choices upon completion of a four year degree are:
FBI
Detective
Criminologist
Probation officer
Crime Scene Investigator
The FBI
Working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation is an exciting career. You will be a "detective" without jurisdiction limitations. FBI agents are highly regarded and considered the best among law enforcement officers. A four-year degree in criminal justice will provide you with the knowledge of statutes, laws, geographical location and social skills needed to perform this very intense position. Of course, your street knowledge will come from experience, but with your degree, you'll be well on your way.
Detectives
Detectives are sometimes police officers who have been promoted, however, with a four-year degree in criminal justice, you can also hold this position. Your college degree in some ways will be equivalent to the experience which give seasoned police officers the grounds for promotion. Your studies will teach you the laws which police officers come upon daily, and your knowledge of the streets themselves will be developed over time.
Criminologists
Criminologist are basically psychologists for criminals. You will study the behavior of criminals, the why's, the how's, and whatever information which is needed to find out what makes criminals tick. Requirements such as sociology, psychology and other classes in college will prepare you for what you will come upon as you delve into the mind of others. Any knowledge outside of your books will come as you work with police officers and other law enforcement entities who solve crimes. You will assist with solving rapes, murders, and kidnappings as you provide a professional's analysis of the criminals' thought process.
Probation Officers
If you have the patience to handle giving substance abuse screenings, checking up on the jobs of others, community service events and so forth, you may want to use your degree to pursue a career as a probation officer. It's almost like a monthly baby sitting checkup except you are getting paid. The most rewarding part is that for those on your caseload, you can make sure they are not criminalizing society anymore. You are doing this by being sure they are drug free, employed and fulfilling whatever requirements given. You will also do home visits to check up on them. No need for learning about the street side of your job from law enforcement as you will probably see and hear it all on a daily basis.
Crime Scene Investigators
After crimes are committed, crime scene investigators collect evidence, take photos and do whatever else is needed to ensure the police and detectives have the best chance possible at solving the crime which was committed. You may be able to complete this with a two-year degree depending on the program. However, the more education you have the better you can relate to all situations around you. It's not just what you know concerning your position, but knowing how things work will make your job a lot easier. This is what college does. It teaches you the elements which pertain to your career choice whereas a trade school jumps directly into the topic and that's the extent of it.
Be Versatile
Criminal justice jobs call for well-rounded individuals. There is no law enforcement officer who can say that book smarts will get the job done; neither will street smarts. It takes a combination of both as you have to be ready for any situation and various types of individuals.
Textbook knowledge will give the logistics of criminal justice, however, none of it can jump off the page without footwork. Humility can't be taught out of a textbook, either, but plenty of it will be needed to deal with the unique individuals you will encounter. Books don't teach you to humble yourself and know when you can't win.
At the end of the day, you will be dealing with criminals. Law enforcement is a great field to go into if you can be versatile, of course. When working in criminal justice jobs, no two days are ever the same, but by adding a bit of humility with your versatility, you will make it through just fine.
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