Criminal Justice Career Overview
Graduates of a criminal justice program find employment opportunities in law enforcement, adult and juvenile correctional facilities, community correctional programs, child advocacy, juvenile agencies, victim advocacy, protective services and other service agencies.
There are several specialties within the Criminal Justice field. Law enforcement, Youth Services, and Corrections are three of the most prominent areas in today's workforce.
Law Enforcement
This division of Criminal Justice includes several types of career positions. These can include detectives, and police officers who patrol and respond to calls, are associated with jail duties, or perform court-related duties. Uniformed policemen who work in municipal offices have general law enforcement duties including maintaining regular patrols and responding to calls for service. They may also be called on to direct traffic at accident scenes, investigate burglaries, or give first aid to victims.
If working in a large department, officers will typically be assigned a specific type of duty. Both police officers and detectives are required to write and file reports and maintain meticulous records in preparation for possible court appearances.
Youth Services
Individuals specializing this youth services deal with children and youth in troubled circumstances. They help them to deal with emotional, physical and social problems and may even provide escorts to court. The wide variety of tasks can range from working in psychiatric hospitals, group homes, correctional institutions or private homes.
Those in youth services can also become privately employed child or youth care workers. Their work will range from simply spending time with children to making sure their needs are being met. If you have a love of and desire to help children, this field could be for you!
Corrections
These officers are responsible for overseeing those individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial. They also oversee those who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to time in a jail or penitentiary. They maintain security and prevent disturbances, assaults, or escapes. Note, however, that corrections officers have no law enforcement responsibilities outside the institution where they work.
Along with enforcing rules and regulations, these officers must report orally and in writing on inmate conduct. They also report security breaches, disturbances, rule violations, and unusual occurrences. Typically, they keep a detailed, daily log of their activities.