Most Common Careers in Criminal Justice
Police Officer
Police officers are vested with the responsibility of keeping the peace. They may work on the street, patrolling in police cars to avert crimes, catch people speeding or breaking the law, or otherwise ensure that the streets are safe for citizens. Police officers can also be promoted to higher positions, such as detective or sergeant. These higher ranked officers help to solve crimes, investigating and apprehending criminals. Police officers may also have to testify at trials when a criminal is apprehended.
Prison Guard and Prison Warden
Prison guards and wardens are responsible for maintaining safety and order in a prison. Guards work on the floor with prisoners, ensuring that no fights break out, that prisoners have no contraband, and that no other problems arise. Wardens are responsible for overseeing the management of the prison, such as establishing rehabilitation programs, complying with Constitutional requirements for humane conditions, and hiring and managing prison guards and staff.
Probation Officers
Probation officers work with criminals who have been released from prison, or work with people who have been sentenced to probation. They may help these convicted individuals to find jobs or reestablish themselves in society. They check in periodically to ensure the person on probation is following the terms of his probation and staying out of trouble.
Forensic Scientists
Forensic scientists investigate crime scenes to help solve crimes. They may analyze blood, DNA or other evidence at the scene of a crime in order to help police apprehend criminals.
Paralegals
Paralegals work in law offices or for judges and help do legal research. They can either work for defense attorneys or help defend criminals, or can work in prosecutor’s office and help do research for prosecutors so the prosecutors can put criminals in jail.
Education Requirements
The education requirements vary depending on the job you are trying to obtain. Police officers and prison guards may need an associates degree in criminal justice, but an advanced degree- such as a bachelors or masters in criminal justice- can help individuals advance further in their careers.
Forensic scientists may need a specialized degree in forensic science to learn how to use the technology at their disposal and to learn how to collect and process evidence found at the scene of a crime. These degrees also exist on the associates, bachelors and masters’ levels, and even at the PhD level.
Paralegals may obtain paralegal certification, or associates, bachelors or masters in criminal justice.
Potential Salary
The potential salary and job outlook also varies depending on the job you are interested in. Police officers had a median salary of $51,410 as of May 2008, while detectives had a median salary of $75,409. Job growth is expected to be about 10 percent through 2018. Correctional officers, such as prison guards, had a median salary of $38,380. Job growth is expected to be average for all occupations, at around 10 percent, through 2018. Jobs for probation officers, who earn an average of $45,910, are expected to grow about 19 percent through 2018. Forensic scientists. Job growth for forensic scientists is expected to be about 20 percent through 2018, which is much higher than average. Forensic scientists enjoy an average salary of $49,857. Finally, paralegal jobs are expected to grow faster than average at 28 percent, and paralegals earn an average salary of $46,120.
