The type of training you need for a career in the criminal justice field depends entirely on what specific work you want to perform. The more specialized the work that you want to do, the more training and education you will need.

Local Police

The training requirement for entering the criminal justice field as a local police officer is the most basic. Anyone with a high school diploma or GED, with good moral character and in good physical condition can qualify.

Special Agencies

To qualify for a specialized law enforcement agency, such as the F.B.I., you will have to meet stricter requirements, such as having a 4-year college degree, plus at least 3 years professional work experience.

Advancement

After working in the criminal justice field for several years, whether starting as a local police officer or special agent, any further career advancement will depend on continuing your education.

Crime Scene Investigator

Crime scene investigators, who performed highly skilled tasks such as DNA collection and fingerprinting, typically have a decade or more of experience as police officers and receive years of specialized training.

Forensics Specialist

The most challenging training in the criminal justice field is that of a forensic specialist because you must become a scientist in a forensic science, such as chemistry, toxicology or psychology before you can apply your specialty in criminal cases.

Source:

U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and Detectives

Federal Bureau of Investigation: Careers

City of Oklahoma: Law Enforcement Careers