The criminal justice system is one of the most important and complex facets of our society.
It deals with problems that are too difficult for any other entity to be able to handle, ranging from the protection of society from criminals to individuals who have been accused or convicted of a crime.
The work that this branch does helps protect innocent people, ensures social order and provides rehabilitation for offenders.
So, what do you want to do within the criminal justice system?
As much as we all want to think it’s as an officer at a police precinct or a prosecutor, these positions require years of expensive training and education that most people won’t have access to.
This article will take each occupation in turn and discuss what they do.
The first criminal justice systems were built by colonists, as they depended on them to find criminals and punish them.
Since the founding of the country, things have only got more complex, with a much larger system having been formed.
Today there are over 680,000 people working in criminal justice across America.
There are lots of different roles within criminal justice, and many of these roles require unique skills.
However, there are some that are very similar, and you should consider the following occupations when choosing which path to take in your career:
One of the most common positions anyone hears about is that of a police officer. They are the face of law enforcement and the people who will respond to all crimes.
Their core job is to ensure that you, your family, and all other citizens are safe from criminals.
Each day is different for police officers, as they can respond to a wide variety of situations, from gangsters to small-time thefts.
They have one of the most dangerous jobs in our society today, with over 20,000 officers being assaulted each year during the line of duty.
Police officers generally do not deal with larger crimes like rape or homicide but still help out with these cases when they can.
The training required to become a police officer is varied. You may be able to get a foot in the door by doing some work experience, but doing more specific qualifications like an online law enforcement degree can be advantageous.
The field is competitive and difficult, but it also has a high rate of satisfaction for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment.
One of the most common lower-level positions in the criminal system is that of a probation officer.
Probation officers are attached to local courts, where they help inmates reintegrate into society once their sentence is over and assist them with their various social needs.
They help people avoid crime by finding jobs for them and helping to get them ready for life outside of prison walls with programs like drug or alcohol abuse recovery or job counseling.
A parole officer is a similar but separate position to that of a probation officer in that they work with people who have been released from prison.
When someone has served their sentence in full, they are released on parole, usually with a few restrictions that have been set by the court.
A parole officer ensures that these restrictions are enforced and brings charges if they are broken.
The goal of this role is to help reduce the amount of recidivism in society and make sure former inmates do not return to crime.
Private investigators are people who have become an expert in detecting crime within an organization or uncovering information that’s been hidden from everyone else.
The best private investigators can find almost any piece of information, as they use their extensive training and experience to make sure they can work out the truth.
These professionals are often used by law firms, lawyers, and corporations to make sure nothing is being done wrong behind closed doors.
One of the most important jobs in the criminal justice system is that of a victim advocate.
These people are often assigned to a particular location, like a courthouse or police station, and work with anyone who has been a victim of crime.
They can try to help these people make sense of what has happened, whether it’s getting them treatment for physical or emotional trauma or helping to press charges against their attackers.
The role requires compassion and empathy as they listen to stories and make sure they’re represented as best they can be.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a law enforcement agency that’s been around since 1908.
These agents are responsible for working to combat crime and terrorism in the United States and work with other agencies like US marshals to track down criminals.
These agents are called upon on a daily basis to help protect civilians from dangerous individuals like serial killers, rapists, or terrorists.
Therapists provide counseling, support, and guidance to people who have experienced trauma or have had victimization within their time working in criminal justice.
They help improve self-esteem and often work to prevent a person from committing another crime.
Security officers are often seen at prisons, jails, secret service locations, and other sites dealing with security.
These people are responsible for ensuring that these places are kept secure on a daily basis. This includes making sure that devices used for crime prevention are working properly, as well as individuals who have access to the premises.
Many of these jobs require different levels of education, from a high school diploma or equivalent for security officers to an online degree for FBI agents.
These degrees are offered online by many universities and can provide the skills needed to pass your desired exams and create a great resume.
It’s best to check with your local government about what is required by law before applying for most jobs within the criminal system.
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