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The world can be a dangerous place. Criminals can be found in nearly every city or town across the globe. With advances in technology, criminals have become increasingly savvy when it comes to committing their crimes. They are able to use this technology to help cover their tracks, making them harder to capture. This is why criminal justice jobsare so important.
Thousands of people work every day to help keep the public safe. A Drug Enforcement Agency agent infiltrates a drug cartel, leading to one of the biggest drug busts in a decade. A police officer is able to negotiate the release of hostages from a local bank. A crime scene technician discovers DNA on a single strand of hair, sealing the district attorney's case. A private investigator conducts a fraud investigation for an insurance agency, saving the agency thousands of dollars. A Department of Homeland Security agent foils a terrorist plot. A U.S. Marshall helps to relocate a family into the Witness Protection Program.
People in criminal justice jobs help catch criminals, protect the public, and make the world a safer place to live in. These jobs may involve collecting evidence, conducting investigations, analyzing crime scenes, arresting perpetrators, defending or prosecuting offenders, and carrying out punishments. You do not have to become a police officer, attorney, or judge to find jobs in this line of work. In fact, one of the reasons for this field's popularity is the variety of jobs to pick from.
Working in the criminal justice field is very popular. Sure, television shows like C.S.I. and Criminal Minds have helped to peak the public's interest in this profession. However, the allure of seeing justice being done and knowing that you are helping to make the streets safe for the public is quite powerful. The work is often difficult and the subject matter can take an emotional toll. Most criminal justice workers say the benefits this work provides on both a professional and personal level far outweighs any negatives.
The majority of these jobs will be found inside the government. There are many federal agencies, including the FBI, CIA, DEA, INS, and Department of Homeland Security, that hire agents for their regional and main offices. These agencies employ investigators, attorneys, forensic scientists, and lab workers, too. Local and state government agencies have criminal justice jobs in police departments, forensic labs, and judicial departments. However, do not limit your job search to government agencies. There are many private companies that hire experts in criminal justice to protect their employees, customers, buildings, and intellectual property. Jobs may include security guard officers, investigators, or corporate security directors.
Thousands of people choose to enter criminal justice careers each year. The allure of fighting crime and stopping criminals in their tracks draws many people to this profession. However, you do not have to become a police officer or detective to find work in this field. There are a variety of criminal justice jobs you can pick from.
Criminal justice jobs can be found at law enforcement agencies, private investigation agencies, corrections facilities, private businesses, and in the courtroom. These jobs give you a chance to match your passion for fighting crime with other interests. Perhaps you want to help catch criminals, but your strengths are in scientific research and analyzing data. Consider working in a crime lab where you can analyze DNA and other evidence. Maybe you have dreams of becoming a federal agent. You do not just want to catch the criminal, but you want to help those impacted by crimes. Think about becoming a United States Marshall. They are involved in relocating witnesses through the Witness Protection Program.
Many people automatically assume that they will have to work for a federal agency or local or state police departments to find work in this field. However, they are really limiting their job opportunities. Many private organizations will employ criminal justice workers. Events, like football games and concerts, require security guards to protect the performers and guests. Many businesses hire security guards to protect their workers, customers, and property. Companies hire cyber security specialists to protect intellectual property. Certain industries, like insurance, hire fraud investigators to make sure customers are not defrauding them with false claims. You can even start your own business to help fight crime. Private investigators are hired by citizens, businesses, and even law enforcement agencies to uncover clues and evidence.
Criminal justice jobs do not require years of formal education. There are plenty of entry-level law enforcement and security jobs that only require a certification or associate's degree. Most federal agency jobs only require a bachelor's degree. After you gain some actual experience in the field, you may decide to go back and earn an advanced criminal justice degree. Many organizations will assist you with these tuition expenses.
Relocation may not be necessary for these jobs. Many companies in your own town, along with local government agencies, offer criminal justice job opportunities. Federal agency jobs are not just found in Washington D.C. Many mid-to-larger sized cities have regional branches of these agencies that you can work at.