What Careers Are Available In Criminal Justice?

The field of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement  may be broader than you know!

While most people are familiar with traditional Police Department and Security Guard positions, did you know there are many other careers to consider in this exploding industry, including:

• ATF Agent

• Bailiff

• CIA Agent

• Coast Guard

• Compliance Officer

• Corrections Officer

• Court Clerk

• Court Reporter

• Crime Scene Investigation

• Criminalist

• Criminologist

• Customs Agent

• DEA Agent

• FBI Agent

• Forensic Psychology

• Forensic Science

• INS Agent

• Paralegal

• Police Detective

• Police Officer

• Private Investigator

• Private Security

• Probation Officer

• Secret Service

• Sheriff

• US Marshall


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2010
01/22
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ATF Agent
Bailiff
CIA Agent
Coast Guard
Compliance Officer
Corrections Officer
Court Clerk
Court Reporter
Crime Scene Investigation
Criminal Justice Careers
Criminalist
Criminologist
Customs Agent
DEA Agent
FBI Agent
Forensic Psychology
Forensic Science
INS Agent
Paralegal
Police Department
Police Detective
Private Investigator
Private Security
Probation Officer
Secret Service
Sheriff
US Marshall
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On the Criminal Justice Career Path

There is no doubt that 9/11 changed the way we regard law enforcement and the people that choose criminal justice jobs. There are more than enough opportunities for those seeking a criminal justice career. There has been an influx in the demand for police officers, Homeland security advisors, FBI agents, Border Patrol agents – the list is virtually endless of exciting, rewarding and in-demand criminal justice jobs. There are numerous career opportunities for people with a criminal justice degree. And do not forget the role of an on-line criminal justice degree if you are juggling a busy home and career life.

The amount of education amount required depends heavily on your criminal justice career goals. Depending upon the criminal justice job you want after you graduate, you can pursue a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree all in criminal justice fields. In addition, there is continuing education or advanced criminal justice degree options for specialized jobs in criminal justice like forensic scientist, or FBI career opportunities. There are several criminal justice degree programs offered to help prepare you for your criminal justice career:

A certificate affords you specific training in a specialized criminal justice facet by training students in crime scene investigation or other specialized fields. Criminal justice students that seek a certification program often use it as a stepping stone for future criminal justice degree. Students with a degree in a field unrelated to criminal justice can use certificates to develop a particular skill set that may pave the way for them to transition in a criminal justice career at a later date.

An associate’s degree in criminal justice takes approximately two years to finish and will teach you fundamental criminal justice skills. An associate’s degree in criminal justice accentuates technical skills required to help graduates embark on a successful careers in their chosen criminal justice field. Many four year colleges will also transfer your associate’s degree as building blocks for a future bachelor’s degree in a criminal justice field.

A four-year bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will provide you in-depth training required to qualify for entry-level positions in federal agencies, such as a career in the FBI. A criminal justice Bachelor degree also increases the likelihood of acquiring a promotion in criminal justice jobs in the police department or private security company. Criminal justice students that finish their associate’s degrees in criminal justice often begin a bachelor’s program to expand their criminal justice career opportunities.

2010
01/22
CATEGORY
Criminal Justice Careers
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Surfing the Net – Your Online Paralegal Degree

We are a digital society, millions of people surf the internet on a daily basis and we are plugged into the social networking sites like crazy. A vast majority of households have a least one computer, and many people are turning to online courses as their preferred method of education. Paralegals are a highly coveted and in demand profession. If you are interested in a degree in criminal justice but don’t have years to spend on campus, an online paralegal career might be perfect for you. The reasons people wish to earn a online paralegal degree may differ, but the following list represents common reasons:

You want to attend paralegal school. You have been seriously thinking about attending a paralegal school and are ready to make the commitment to yourself. The desire and willingness to learn a new career as a paralegal is the primary reason to step forward through that open door. An online experience learning to be a paralegal makes natural sense to you.

You are seeking to balance work and home. If you are already working, balancing the remainder of your day with home and family obligations can make it tough to attend paralegal classes on campus. An online paralegal degree can save you valuable time and every.

Continuing education is the future. To stay relevant and current in this rapidly shifting technological society, it is imperative to keep your career skills finely honed. Further education is always a good idea, especially in the highly in demand fields of criminal justice, such as a paralegal.

Online degrees will get you paid. Highly paid paralegal positions often necessitate that you obtain both a paralegal certificate and degree, and online paralegal studies allows you the flexibility to get both at your leisure.

Wanna get promoted? This is a completive environment and everyone is attempting to advance their skills. Pursue your dreams and increase the likelihood to improve the chances snagging the promotion you desire with continuing paralegal studies.

Save money. The price of gas has reached all time highs and an online education saves not only gas, but the wear and tear on your car, and save you time spent in traffic. You will save significant time, money and stress taking your paralegal studies online.

You love the computer anyway. You are on the web anyway, whether it’s on a social networking site or playing a game, you are already plugged in. Why not merge your desire to gain a paralegal degree with your love of the computer to improve your quality of life.

You know this is the right time to train for a new job as a paralegal, why not follow through on your decision to return to school. An online paralegal degree with mesh with your busy life perfectly.

2010
01/22
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The Truth & Only the Truth – Paralegal Careers

If you are considering exploring a degree as a paralegal, there are numerous options to locating the paralegal school that best meets your particular career goals. If you intend to specialize in one specific concentration in the field of criminal justice, such as contract or real estate law, many paralegal schools offer coursework focusing on these topics.

If you are interested in obtaining a more general education as a legal assistant, many paralegal certification programs provide an excellent foundation both in law and legal research. The best thing about these paralegal programs is that you can complete them in only a few months time, either on campus or online. In the end, many people choose a paralegal school based upon factors such as the cost of tuition, and the paralegal school’s reputation in the legal community. Here are some additional factors to mull over when assessing paralegal schools.

Accreditation – Be sure to investigate if the paralegal program is accredited by the American Bar Association or any other accreditation organizations. Many non-accredited paralegal schools are still very well equipped to train expert paralegals, and not all cities will have an accredited paralegal school. You may want to discuss the importance of accreditation with any potential law firms that may hire you as a paralegal after graduation.

Duration – The length of time it takes to successfully obtain a degree as a paralegal ranges from a minimum of three months to two years for a more advanced course of study. If you already have a degree or prior legal experience, the shorter certification programs are a perfect alternative. If you are interested in obtaining your associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, the lengthier course of study would best fit your career goals.

Locale – Laws and legal statutes vary according to state, so there is a definite benefit in starting a paralegal program in the state that you live in, or desire to live in. Local law firms will be able to inform you which paralegal schools are more highly regarded and from which they recruit and hire paralegals.

Options – Many accredited paralegal schools cater to their students’ needs. Depending upon your lifestyle, you may need to attend part-time rather than full time, and paring with the right paralegal program will prove invaluable. Some paralegal program also offered home study or on-line courses to support students with work or family situations.

Internships – If you have never worked in the field of criminal justice prior to attending paralegal school, internships are an excellent way of gaining real world work experience while still earning credit for school. Internships also help you develop contacts in the legal arena that may prove invaluable after you graduate from the paralegal program. Check with your paralegal school’s guidance center to see if they have successfully placed paralegal students in internships in local law firms.

2010
01/22
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Real Life CSI Careers

Used shell cases, trace evidence and bizarre blood sprays. This isn’t just the stuff of television dramas; this can be real life tragedies as well. Crime scene investigations can no doubt be grisly, but the ability to investigate it accurately can make or break the case and be an extremely rewarding career. If you are passionate about science and can handle the gruesome details, a career as a forensic scientist sounds right up your alley.

The popular appeal of television shows like CSI, Bones and Law and Order, has made the field of forensic science hotter than ever. Forensic scientists, also known in some fields of criminal justice as criminalists, basically perform two important job functions:

  • Evaluate physical evidence gathered from a crime scene
  • Present expert forensic testimony for trial

When someone commits a crime, detectives collect evidence like as blood, fingernails, hair and other trace evidence. It is then sent to a crime lab to be thoroughly examined by someone with an education in forensic science. Forensic scientists employ both chemical and biological procedures to scrutinize all aspects of the evidence and document their conclusions.

Obtaining a degree in forensic science will prepare you to help identify the criminal and analyze all manners of evidence against them. Whether it involves matching spent bullet casings to the firearm that they came from, or analyzing hair samples to pinpoint a suspect, forensic scientist’s help shape the evidence of a criminal case.

Forensic evidence is often pivotal during a legal trial, but it can be very complex to understand. A forensic sciences school will equip you with the expertise required to assist those in the legal profession. Forensic scientists perform the role as expert witnesses to clarify forensic evidence to judges and juries alike. Forensics experts must document precisely all they do so their testimony stands up during the court proceedings.

Your career as a forensic scientist may not mirror how CSI is portrayed on television, but it plays crucial part in our criminal justice proceedings. After you attend a forensic science school, you will have numerous educational and career opportunities:

  • Forensic scientists work in a forensics lab evaluating trace evidence from a crime scene.
  • If you are attracted to computers and technology, with a specialization in computer forensics, you can scour hard drives or software programs for evidence in legal proceedings.
  • Students interested in criminal psychology can find their niche in the field forensic psychology, where they evaluate the psychological state of anyone involved in the criminal justice system.

Each one these forensics specialties play a important role in the world of criminal justice, be sure to inquire with the forensic science school that you are thinking about attending regarding additional coursework in forensics. There are over 12,000 forensic scientists working in the US right now, and the field is rapidly expanding. Get the upper hand with a new career by attending a forensic science school today!

2010
01/22
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Legal Eagles – Specialized Paralegal Studies

If you are considering attending a paralegal school, it is important to be aware of the diverse areas of criminal justice that you could specialize in as a paralegal. Your duties as a legal assistant will vary dependent upon the specific law firm that eventually employs you as a paralegal.

In a law firm that services a wide variety of clientele, your duties as a paralegal will depend upon the particular needs of the clients on any given day. A general law firm will service clients with an extensive range of needs, and the paralegal school that you attend will educate you regarding different paralegal duties.

There are also specialized law firms that usually work within a small framework, and only service clients seeking that specific type of legal representation, such as corporate or tax law. In a specialized legal firm, the paralegals concentrate exclusively in that area of expertise. If your career interests as a paralegal include a more singular focus, pursue additional courses on the subject at the paralegal school that you attend. The following list represents some of the most common areas of a paralegal career:

Probate – Estate planning paralegals assist clients in creating documents that determine who will be granted their possessions upon their death. If someone dies without making prior legal arrangements, any residual property or finances are distributed through a probate court. Paralegals with a concentration in probate work to create legal documents regarding guardianships for any surviving legal minors. If this area of criminal justice appeals to you, be sure to check with your paralegal school regarding any additional coursework on estate planning or probate. Legal assistants working for a law firm with this concentration typically perform the following paralegal duties:

  • Creating and filing tax returns
  • Administering estate accounts
  • Drafting wills

Corporate – A corporate paralegal assists in the creation of business partnerships and oversees the implementation of business transactions like corporate mergers or stock options. Corporate law also includes the protection of intellectual property, such as patents and copyright protections. There are often elective course in trademarks or patents offered at your chosen paralegal school. A paralegal working for a corporate law firm may perform a variety the following duties:

  • Drafting partnership documents
  • Conducting due diligence for business transactions
  • Verifying patents and trademarks

Labor – Paralegals that specialize in employment law help out with issues concerning relationships between employers and employees. Employment-law paralegals work closely with human resource issues; such as hiring, firing, unemployment claims, and any potential discrimination allegations. Paralegals in a firm that specializes in labor laws may perform some of the following duties:

  • Creating policy and procedures handbooks
  • Drafting affidavits for disputes
  • Investigating wrongful termination claims

Real Estate – Paralegals in real estate firm handle the purchase, or sale of both commercial and residential properties. As a real estate paralegal, you may also draft documents for the legal transfer of property such as titles and deeds. Contract law is typically a course included in a paralegal degree program. A real estate paralegal may also perform the following duties:

  • Creating documents for a real estate transfer
  • Coordinating an escrow closing
  • Verifying title and clearing liens
2010
01/22
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Lady Justice is my Boss

The life of an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation involves much more than black suits and dark sunglasses. FBI agents are the government’s most important investigators, they are chiefly responsible for looking into federal law violations, and conducting sensitive national security inquiries.

Federal Agents conduct surveillance, monitor phone wiretaps, scrutinizing business records, probing white-collar crimes, protecting national security, collecting evidence in federal cases, and taking part in undercover assignments. A FBI agent investigates all aspects of the criminal justice system including organized crime, corruption, fraud, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

To become an FBI agent, there are several perquisites that you must meet to be considered, including being between 23 and 36, having a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years full-time related work experience. A degree in criminal justice or experience in law, law enforcement or the military will definitely assist you if you are interested in working for the law enforcement branch of the FBI. Since the FBI also investigates financial crimes or fraud, any additional education in a financial field is also recommended. If a candidate meets the minimum qualification criteria, they must also pass a written and oral exam, psychological testing, physical and medical tests, and an exhaustive background check.

The FBI actively seeks candidates with bachelors or master’s degree in criminal justice other fields directly applicable to the life of an FBI agent. The political climate was changed with the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and there is an increased emphasis on training and education in the fields of criminal justice and law enforcement.  The FBI is currently only accepting applications that possess at least one or more of these additional skills:

  • Foreign language fluency, especially Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Korean and Russian
  • Accounting or other financial experience
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Physical Sciences, especially chemistry and physics
  • Legal experience
  • Law enforcement
  • Military experience

The career choices for a federal agent in the FBI are obviously very rich and rewarding. Get on the fast track to and transform your interest in law enforcement and becoming an FBI agent into a financially rewarding ultimate new career.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that an experienced FBI agent’s salary starts around $89,000. But before you can command that type of salary, you will need to earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree in your specialized branch of criminal justice, and then acquire at least 3 years of related work experience. Before becoming an FBI agent, you will also train at the FBI school in Quantico, Virginia for at least four months. At the FBI school, you will encounter a fascinating and wide variety of specialized areas in the world of criminal justice, do not delay – get on board now.

2010
01/22
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What Makes a Great Paralegal?

If you are fascinated with the legal system but do not want to devote years to attend law school, a career as a paralegal may be right for you. As one of the fastest growing careers in the US, you will find numerous entry-level paralegal jobs in every state in the country.

While attorneys carry the ultimate responsibility for their legal cases, paralegals lend a hand in virtually every aspect of their work. Once you become a paralegal, the only services that you cannot perform are trying cases, giving legal advice and setting monetary legal fees. This leaves a wide spectrum of legal services that you can perform in a paralegal career, including assisting lawyers, preparing paperwork, conducting research and preparing for trials. Depending upon where you become a paralegal, your legal assistant duties can include the following:

  • Preparing legal documents
  • Drafting contracts
  • Preparing legal briefs or arguments
  • Investigation and research
  • Trail assistance
  • Filing and organizing documents

As the demand for paralegals continues to rise, trained paralegals will qualify for a numerous job opportunities and additional options for professional growth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegals represent one of the fastest growing fields in the US. It is estimated that the clear majority of private law firms employed ¾ of the paralegals, with the remaining percent of legal assistants working in corporate or movement settings.

Paralegal educational programs regularly include courses that familiarize the students to law and legal research practice. In addition you may choose study a specialized legal area, such as tax or real estate law. Private employers may prefer applicants with this type of specialized paralegal training, since their law firm may represent a particular legal niche.

There are numerous options available for you to study when pursuing a paralegal career. An associate’s degree or certificate programs in paralegals studies are often offered through private and community colleges. Associate’s degree programs as a paralegal normally last two years and paralegal certification programs can span three to 24 months. Some law firms train paralegals directly on the job, but this practice is much less prevalent as the paralegal career has evolved and paralegals have taken on an increasingly complex set of responsibilities.

Paralegal certification is completely voluntary, but many employers may view certified paralegals more favorably. There are three professional agencies that grant paralegal certifications:

  • National Association of Legal Assistants
  • National Federation of Paralegal Associations
  • American Alliance of Paralegals

Demand for paralegals will only intensify as law firms strive to reduce costs and improve efficiency by hiring paralegals and legal assistants to carry out tasks previously carried out by younger lawyers. As this demand for legal assistants grows, well educated paralegals will enjoy the best opportunities and earn higher incomes in their paralegal career.

2010
01/22
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Why So Many Cop Shows? Hollywood Loves Criminal Justice

There is a long history of police and legal programs on television; from 24 and Bones to the numerous CSI’s and various Law and Orders, we love our legal dramas. We are used to seeing people with careers in criminal justice on all our favorite shows. As a society, we look to television to mirror back to us what the current trends are, and criminal justice has certainly captured not only our hearts, but merits huge ratings as well. Hollywood has capitalized on our current love affair with all things criminal justice and now airs an expansive amount of both legal and FBI dramas and reality-based law enforcement programming choices. Dramatic dialogue that explores criminal psychology, compelling and relevant story lines and tense courtroom interactions all make for an undeniably entertaining hour of television.

Many of the famous TV shows with a flair for all things legal have followed the exploits of many renowned fictional attorneys such as Perry Mason, Matlock, and Ally McBeal or Federal Agents like Seally Booth. However, many of the newly televised legal television programs are showcasing the unsung hero of the legal profession, the mysterious paralegal. Careers in the paralegal field are one of the fastest growing in the entire legal industry. As attorneys realize that their own workload continues to skyrocket, they increasing are seeking the help of competent paralegals to assist them. Not only does the paralegal play a vital role in assisting the lawyer with their caseload, but their involvement also saves the client a great deal of money. These factors have caused the role of the paralegal to grow exponentially, with no real end in sight.

Although paralegals are infrequently involved in felony courtroom dramas, they play an essential, albeit under-recognized, role in interworking of the legal profession as legal assistants. The television networks have struck a goldmine, and are portraying paralegals with increasing frequency on all three major networks, and of course, cable channels as well. Here is a brief list of some of the paralegals currently gracing the boob tube:

Medium – While the majority of Allison Dubois’ talents in law enforcement arena are displayed by her psychic ability to solve criminal cases, the District Attorney first hired her to perform the duties of a paralegal associate.

Sherri - Sherri Sheppard plays a standup comic, mother, wife, and yes, paralegal trying to balance a very busy and demanding home life with her rewarding career in law.

How I Met Your Mother – In a very popular episode, the lead actor Ted Mosby takes Mary the paralegal on a date. He misunderstands her knowledge of the law and assumes she must be skilled in breaking the law, not upholding it. Of course, hilarity ensues.

The emerging love affair between Hollywood and paralegals has been equally influenced by the number of now famous stars that began their professional careers as a real paralegal. One of the most famous “former paralegals” is definitely a household name; comedian and newest American Idol judge, Ellen DeGeneres. Starting your journey into becoming a paralegal might not get you on television, but it will mostly certainly offer a rewarding and stable new career in criminal justice.

2010
01/22
CATEGORY
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To Serve & Protect – Becoming a Police Officer

One of the hottest careers in criminal justice is training to become a police officer. As a police officer, you are responsible for maintaining peace within the community, examining evidence and performing criminal investigations. A time honored profession, becoming an officer of the law is a noble career choice. If you are seriously considering a new career in the oldest branch of criminal justice, it is important to know what some of your law enforcement career options are:

Police Officers conduct general law enforcement through patrols and responding to emergency calls from the community. Police officer training is extensive due to the important role they play in the community. Many police officers are tasked with protecting a certain location that they are assigned to.

Sheriffs are responsible to enforce the law on the county level. Although Sheriffs are typically elected to their post, they function in ways similar to the local police officers. Criminal justice training can certainly benefit anyone that aspires to becoming a law enforcement officer such as sheriff.

Detectives are promoted from field officers and responsible for collecting and deciphering evidence in criminal justice cases. They perform interviews, examine reports, monitor suspects, and make arrests. Due to the analytical nature of a detective, attending a forensic sciences school could prove invaluable.

Highway Patrol Officers conduct criminal investigation on a statewide level and enforce motor vehicle regulations on the highways. They are often first on the scene of an accident and respond to numerous emergency calls.

To qualify as a police officer, you must be over twenty years old and a US citizen without a criminal record and have earned at least your high school diploma or GED. You must also pass both written and physical examinations, to learn more about becoming a police officer; consult your local law enforcement branch. Police training or additional education in law enforcement often gives the criminal justice applicant an additional boost over the competition. If you are interested in a career in criminal justice, many law enforcement agencies advocate formal police officer training in the form of a certification or degree program in criminal justice. Police Officer jobs are highly coveted and training will highly improve your odds of securing a job in criminal justice. Criminal justice degrees include instruction in the constitution and Bill of Rights, state laws and local ordinances, and accident and crime scene investigation. In addition, you may also receive training in traffic control, firearm safety, self-defense, first aid and emergency response.

Continuing education is mandatory for any with an active job in cranial justice enforcement, including both patrol officers and detectives. Additional police officer training helps to keep their skills sharply honed and current. Many governmental agencies will provide tuition assistance for their officers to earn a degree in criminal justice, and monetarily compensate those that successfully achieve additional education in law enforcement.

Police officers are usually promoted from within to detective or to other specialized areas of investigative work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a police officer’s annual salary is roughly $47,460, but the upper ten percent made more than $72,000 per year. Competition for careers in criminal justice is intense; especially the ones with the higher paying salaries and a degree in criminal justice can set you miles ahead of the rest.

2010
01/22
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