With popular television shows focusing on the excitement and career satisfaction of those employed within the criminal justice system, it’s no surprise that there has been a huge rise in interest in the criminal justice and forensics fields. In the next ten years, it is expected that interest will continue to rise and by 2018, there will be a 22 percent increase in employment in criminal justice careers. Because of this, it is vital to receive proper training to ensure that one is enabled to find employment amongst all of the other qualified candidates. There are multiple categories that fall under criminal justice including law enforcement careers, federal law enforcement, correctional, forensic science, legal and private security careers. Within these categories of criminal justice there are a wide variety of job opportunities, everything from security guards to FBI agents. Some of the most common jobs include police officers, corrections officers, probation officers, crime scene investigators, paralegals and security officers. Each will require different training and have specific job qualifications. Most criminal careers do require specific training and education, in addition to no criminal history or background. It is important to carefully consider and thoroughly research all of your options in the criminal justice field before committing to a training or educational program to ensure that upon completion, you will have no problem meeting all the qualifications for employment.
Criminology
Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behavior in individual people as well as society as a whole. Careers in criminology include studying crime prevention tactics, crime statistics, sociology of law and evaluating criminal justice agencies.
United States Department of Justice
Criminology, Law Enforcement, Elder Abuse, and Senior Victimization
Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Florida- Department of Sociology and Criminology
University of California- Department of Criminology, Law and Society
(PDF) Criminological Theory Summaries
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
Crime Analysis
Crime analysis is a function that involves identifying and analyzing patterns and trends in crime. Crime Analysts perform these functions and are often referred to as “criminal intelligence analysts”. Analysts are employed throughout every branch of law enforcement and require a lot of training to perform their job adequately.
The International Association of Crime Analysts
(PDF) Crime Analysis Certification
(PDF) Introductory Guide to Crime Analysis and Mapping
Regional Crime Analysis Geographic Information System (RCAGIS)
Geographic Information Science and Crime Analysis
Saint Joseph University Crime Analysis
(PDF) Integrated Intelligence and Crime Analysis
Crime Data: Florida Statistical Analysis Center
Colorado Crime Analysis Association
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department: Crime Analysis Division
Marin County Sheriff Crime Analysis Information
Prison
There are a large amount of officers that are employed strictly within prisons. These officers are known as “correctional officers” or “detention officers”. They are in charge of controlling and protecting inmates in prison.
Transition from Prison to Community Initiative (TPCI)
(PDF) Prison and Jail Usage in Washington State
Department of Corrections: Prison Tours
Correcting our Flawed Criminal Justice System
A Solution to Prison Overcrowding
Wesleyan University: Center for Prison Education
The Pennsylvania Prison Society
Protecting Society & Reducing Crime
Security
Security is often a beginning step for those in the criminal justice field. Being employed as a security guard can often help to prepare one for a career in policing or for advanced security positions such as employment with the Department of Homeland Security.
Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy
(PDF) Journal of Criminal Justice and Security
Homeland Security and Justice Programs
Department of Homeland Security
Technology
Technology is one of the most important advances that have been made in recent years to the criminal justice system. With the use of DNA evidence, the chances of locating a criminal are much higher than before. Technology also helps to prove many cases in court and is continually improving.
National White Collar Crime Center
Employment
Regardless of which area of employment one is seeking in this field, there are many resources to help locate the perfect position based on a person’s education, training, certification and experience.
Criminal Justice: Security Jobs
