There are many career opportunities in the criminal justice field. The criminal justice field is comprised of law enforcement, corrections and the courts, and opportunities are within these systems, federal agencies and in the private sector.

Law Enforcement/Police

Police officers enforce local and state laws and ordinances. Enforcement efforts include patrolling jurisdictions, investigating crimes and arresting criminals. Police officers are employed at the city, county and state levels of government. A bachelor's degree is not required, but preferred by many agencies. All police officers must attend a police academy and be certified according to state requirements.

Probation/Parole

Probation and parole officers conduct supervision activities of criminal offenders to prevent them from committing more crimes. Some conduct pre-sentence investigations to assist the courts in sentencing an offender. Probation officers are employed at the city, county, state and federal levels of government. Parole officers are employed at the state and federal level of government. A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a related social science field is required

Corrections

Corrections officers are responsible for the oversight of individuals in jail or prison. Duties include: searching inmates for drugs or weapons, enforcing discipline, and investigating crimes committed in the jail or prison. Corrections officers are employed at the county and state, and federal levels of government. Education required is usually 60 college credit hours or an associate's degree in Criminal Justice or a related social science field.

Security

Security guards protect property against crimes such as theft, vandalism and arson. Security guard positions are usually private sector positions. Department stores, corporations, nuclear plants and like companies employ security guards. The education required varies among companies and job duties. Many security guard positions require completion of a high school diploma, while others require an associate's degree in criminal justice or a related field

Criminal Investigator

Criminal investigators obtain and analyze information related to criminal activity. Criminal investigators are employed at the state and federal levels of government. State agencies generally require criminal investigators to have prior experience as a law enforcement official whereas federal agencies do not. Criminal investigators are required to have a bachelo'rs degree in criminal justice or a related social science field.

Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and Detectives: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: Bureau of Labor Statistics