Criminal Justice Career: Jobs & Training

If you're interested in working in the criminal justice field, you don't need an expensive degree. There are many vocational programs available for those interested in working in this dynamic, exciting field. Choosing the right program and earning certification can help you stand out when applying for criminal justice jobs.

Working in Criminal Justice

Professionals in the criminal justice field work within the police departments, courts, and the correctional system. Those with technical and analytical skills, as well as the fortitude to deal with difficult and sometimes dangerous situations, will do best in this field.
 
For those with a certificate in criminal justice, there is a wide range of professional opportunities. For example, one can choose to work in loss prevention, at national borders, for the military, at airports, or within America's national parks.

Jobs in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice jobs vary widely, and contrary to popular belief, they're not always dangerous. Here are a few of the most common jobs in criminal justice:
  • Airport security: Carry out security measures to ensure airport and plane safety.
  • Bailiff: Maintains order inside the courtroom.
  • Private security officer: Protects individuals and private businesses.
  • Paralegal: Serves as a legal assistant to attorneys.
  • Park ranger: Performs a wide variety of tasks in the national parks.
  • Youth advocate: Provides support such as case management, planning, policy-making, and legal advocacy.

Facts and Figures

In the United States, security guards and gaming surveillance officers held more than one million jobs in 2006, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, with jobs projected to expand 17 percent over the next decade. That projection is much faster than the average, according to the BLS. Other criminal justice jobs, such as correctional officers, police officers, and detectives are expected to grow as fast or faster than the average.
 
In 2008, federal entry-level law enforcement jobs typically started at $39,500, while state jobs started at $34,000. In the court sector, entry-level pay varied between $30,000 and $40,000, with federal positions at a range of $40,000 to $55,000. In the corrections field, the national average for entry-level jobs was $33,000, though salaries vary by state.

Education, Training, and Work Experience

There is a variety of vocational and technical criminal justice training programs for those interested in working in this field. Many professionals begin their careers by earning a criminal justice certificate, which provides basic skills and knowledge in the field. Certificate programs are offered through venues such as universities, community colleges, and online degree programs. Other criminal justice professionals begin their careers by working in the field and rising through the ranks, but some training is often required.

Related Associations and Groups

If you're interested in applying for programs or jobs in the criminal justice field, you may want to look into one of the following organizations:
  • Association for Criminal Justice Research (California)
  • Midwestern Criminal Justice Association
  • National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
  • National Criminal Justice Association
  • Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences
  • Southern Criminal Justice Association.
 
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