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Career and Job Search Guide
  

Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement Careers

The field of criminal justice offers some very exciting and extremely rewarding career opportunities. With new breakthroughs in forensic technology and an ever evolving domestic and international criminal justice landscape, its almost a guarantee these days that a career as a law enforcement professional will be anything but boring. There is an ever expanding list of criminal justice and law enforcement career positions that welcome individuals with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Whether your interested in criminology, psychology, political science, social work, engineering, forensics, chemistry, law or even accounting you'll find a criminal justice career suited for your unique taste.

Below is a list of the most popular criminal justice and law enforcement career fields. Within each field you'll typically find a number of job specialities. For example, many would be criminal justice professionals say they want to become a "CIA Agent". Well did you know that there are several different types of CIA agents (i.e. Operations Officer, College Management Officer, Intelligence Officer, Language Officer, etc.) and each serves unique function within the CIA? To learn more about a specific career field and to the explore the opportunities it offers simply make your selection from the list below.

Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants possess specialized accounting skills. They utilize investigative, auditing, and accounting skills to analyze an organization’s financial statements while investigating fraud.
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ATF Agent
ATF agents investigate crime and enforce laws relating to illegal possession and distribution of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. They work under the direction of the Department of the Treasury.
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ATF Investigator
Many law enforcement officials consider ATF investigators as the ATF’s backbone. These specialists, also referred to as industry operations investigators, are primarily responsible for investigating federal violations.
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ATF Technician
Excellent job opportunities for various professionals are available with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). Since this agency has numerous responsibilities, it hires specialists from the administration, general management, human resources, laboratory science, information technology, and intelligence fields.
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Bailiff
Bailiffs provide security services within courtrooms. Bailiffs monitor courts for security threats, weapons, and explosive devices. They frisk people to ensure they do not have guns or other weapons and confiscate them when discovered.
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Border Patrol Agent
The United States Border Patrol, a federal government agency, frequently works with the Departments of Border Protection and Customs. It conducts operations under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security.
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CIA Agent
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a fairly new agency. The CIA was organized in 1947 by the National Security Act. The CIA gathers and evaluates intelligence and organizes covert operations under the direction of the U.S. President.
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Coast Guard
The Coast Guard, one of America’s 5 military branches, conducts operations under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security. This organization is one of America’s oldest maritime organizations.
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Compliance Officer
Compliance officers recommend laws intended to protect citizens and make sure these laws are properly enforced. Compliance officers usually specialize in licensing, worker rights, or environmental laws and regulations.
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Computer Forensics
Cyber and computer crimes are increasing worldwide. Because more people worldwide are connected to the Internet, computers within homes and businesses are targets for computer hackers.
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Corrections Officer
Correctional officers work in correctional facilities housing criminals and individuals awaiting trial. These professionals are also called detention officers. They monitor prisoners, provide security, prevent inmate fights, and transport inmates.
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Probation Officer
Convicted criminals are often placed on probation in lieu of prison sentences. Individuals who’ve completed their prison sentences often get placed on parole after being released.
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Counter Terrorism
The government and military order counter terrorism operations to prevent terrorist attacks. Many federal government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations, State Department, and Central Intelligence Agency develop counter terrorism procedures and policies.
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Courter Reporter
Court reporters transcribe verbatim court proceedings, meeting minutes, speeches, and other important details that must be documented. Court reporters prepare written transcripts for court records.
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Court Clerk
Court clerks perform administrative duties, process court and legal documents, notify individuals of trial dates, prepare various documents, and file records. They also examine court documents to check for accuracy and mistakes.
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Crime Laboratory Analyst
Crime laboratory analysts primarily work in laboratories, even though popular movies and television programs typically depict them at crime scenes. This is still an exciting, challenging, and fascinating career.
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Crime Scene Investigator
Crime scene investigators oversee criminal investigations and examine and analyze trace evidence. They use sophisticated technology and methods to collect and analyze physical evidence.
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Criminalist
Criminalists examine and identify physical evidence and derive conclusions from it. Their most important responsibility is to utilize their knowledge and training to objectively analyze evidence.
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Criminologist
Criminology is a branch of sociology, a science that specializes in group behavior. Criminologists conduct scientific research to analyze criminal behavior and the factors contributing to it.
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Customs Agent
Customs agents investigate drug smuggling, child pornography, money laundering, in addition to enforcing provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. These agents are also referred to as Customs Border Patrol (CBP) officers.
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DEA Agent
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a federal agency that enforces drug laws and oversees foreign investigations. DEA agents conduct investigations, setup surveillance operations to monitor suspected drug dealers, and organize covert operations to infiltrate drug cartels.
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Diplomatic Security Agent
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) provides security for the State Department. This agency is internationally recognized for its investigative operations, analysis of international terrorism, security services, security technology expertise, and its ability to safeguard property, people, and classified information.
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FBI Agent
As of 2008, 30,576 people were employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Of these employees, 12,705 were classified as special agents and 17,871 worked as support specialists, which includes translators, intelligence analysts, information technology specialists, and other specialists.
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Federal Air Marshal
Federal air marshals protect airliners and participate in national transportation infrastructure security projects. These agents work under the supervision of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
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Federal Protective Service
The Federal Protective Service (FPS) is responsible for securing over 8,000 government buildings. It’s a division of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
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Fish & Game Warden
Working as a fish and game warden provides people interested in law enforcement a challenging and diverse career with numerous opportunities for career growth. Fish and game wardens typically have jurisdiction within the state where they work.
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Forensic Scientist
Forensic scientists retrieve and examine evidence at crime scenes. They retrieve blood, saliva, and other bodily fluid samples, fingerprints, weapons, and other pieces of evidence.
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Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists utilize psychology to assist police officers investigating crimes. Additionally, they apply psychology to questions pertaining to the criminal justice system.
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Fraud Investigator
Fraud investigators conduct investigations and assist law enforcement personnel investigating fraud. To investigate fraud, they conduct interviews and analyze evidence collected during investigations.
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Homeland Security Agent
It’s not easy landing a job with this agency, but those who are hired enjoy satisfying and exciting careers. The Department of Homeland Security and agencies under its supervision protect the homeland against terrorism.
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Immigration Enforcement Agent
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents enforce immigration laws, detect and stop drug and human trafficking, and provide security at airports and government buildings.
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Information Security
Information security is an emerging field of vast importance. Organizations that fill high paying entry-level positions are constantly recruiting experienced and talented applicants.
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INS Agent
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is responsible for enforcing national immigration regulations. This agency apprehends and deports undocumented immigrants.
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IRS Special Agent
IRS special agents investigate financial crimes and tax evasion for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a division of the Treasury Department. These agents are also known as Criminal investigator (CI) agents.
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Judges and Magistrates
Judges and magistrates apply and supervise legal procedures. They preside over all types of cases. Judges must ensure that people receive fair trials and their civil rights are protected.
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Juvenile Probation Counselor
Probation counselors usually specialize in either juvenile or adult probation. Probation counselors who assist both groups typically work in rural areas. However, in certain states, probation counselors assist both juveniles and adults.
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K9 Police Officer
K9 police officers, commonly referred to as K9 cops are an exclusive and unique group of law enforcement professionals. K9 police officers work for county sheriffs, state and city police departments, and for federal law enforcement agencies patrolling domestic and internaional seaports, airports and borders.
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Lawyer/Attorney
Lawyers, also known as attorneys, act as advocates and advisors. As advocates, lawyers use evidence to defend clients at criminal and civil trials. Lawyers act as advisors by advising their clients about their rights and suggest strategies to deal with legal problems.
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NSA Police Officer
NSA police officers secure NSA office buildings. They wear uniforms and carry firearms. In addition to law enforcement duties, NSA officers frequently participate in counterterrorist operations and administer weapons training to NSA employees.
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Paralegal
Paralegals assist attorneys. They are also known as legal assistants. Paralegals perform many duties once performed by lawyers, and they’re also continually being assigned new tasks.
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Penologist
Penologists specialize in prisoner rehabilitation and correctional facility management. Penologists work closely with prison guards to prevent prison fights, drug dealing, violence, escape attempts, and antisocial behavior.
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Prison Warden
Prison wardens manage prisons and other correctional facilities. To effectively execute their responsibilities, prison wardens must understand employee management, correctional facility security and administration, organizational budgeting procedures, and inmate supervision methods.
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Private Security
Plenty of job opportunities are available in the private security industry. Private security guards monitor stores to safeguard property and protect employees.
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Police Detective
Police officers and detectives protect people and their property. The duties of law enforcement officers, many of whom are state or federal special agents, depend on the organization they work for
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Police Officer
Municipal and state police officers are assigned general police duties. Police officers respond to emergencies and patrol regular routes watching for suspicious activity. They also spend a lot of time assisting citizens and completing paperwork.
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Probation Officer
Convicted criminals are often placed on probation in lieu of prison sentences. Individuals who’ve completed their prison sentences often get placed on parole after being released.
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Private Investigator
Private detectives and investigators provide private investigative services to collect information. Private detectives analyze information to solve mysteries and uncover facts. Private detectives and investigators offer protection services, pre-employment screening, and investigate peoples’ backgrounds.
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Psychological Profiler
Psychological profiling, also known as behavioral, criminal personality, and criminal profiling, is a method used by criminal investigators to develop profiles for murders, rapists, and other violent criminals who haven’t been apprehended.
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Secret Service Agent
The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency, serving under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security. The Secret Service is best known as the agency responsible for protecting the President.
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Sheriff
Sheriffs enforce laws in areas not covered by municipal police departments. Sheriffs have the exact same responsibilities as police officers.
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Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors assist people overcoming addiction and working to remain sober. They organize educational programs, group counseling sessions, and other programs to help people overcome substance abuse.
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Surveillance Officer (Gaming)
Gaming surveillance officers monitor people in casinos to ensure they do not cheat. State and federal government agencies also hire these specialists to ensure casinos are adhering to state and federal gambling regulations.
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TSA Screener
TSA screeners inspect people preparing to board airplanes and operate sophisticated technology to screen luggage.
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U.S. Marshal
The U.S. Marshals Service is one of the nation’s first law enforcement agencies. U.S. Marshals have been serving the nation since 1789. U.S. Marshals enforce orders issued by federal courts.
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U.S. MarshallUnited States Marshal
The U.S. Marshal Service is the law enforcement arm of the United States federal court system, and consequently, is involved in almost every federal law enforcement initiative.

Salary: $35k - $100k+
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Job Outlook: Excellent

Learn more...

Homeland Security AgentHomeland Security Agent
Homeland Security agents have jobs of vast responsibility. They are primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of our nation and security our country's borders.

Salary: $38k - $60k+
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Job Outlook: Excellent

Learn more...

U.S. Marshall BadgeCrime Scene Investigator
Crime scene investigators supervise, evaluate, investigate and analyze complex crime scenes where invasions, sexual assaults, murders, armed robberies, and burglaries have occurred.

Salary: $38k - $99k
Education:GED/College Degree
Job Outlook: Excellent

Learn more...
Law Enforcement Salaries
Accounting Forensics
Administrative Law Judges, ...
Arbitrators, Mediators, ...
ATF Agent
Bailiff
Border Patrol Agent
CIA Agent
Coast Guard
Computer Forensics
Corrections Officer
Court Reporters
Crime Laboratory Analyst
Crime Scene Investigator
Criminalist
Criminologist
Customs Agent
DEA Agent
Diplomatic Security Agent
FBI Agent
Federal Air Marshal
Federal Protective Service
Fish & Game Warden
Forensic Science
Forensic Psychology
Fraud Investigator
Homeland Security Agent Salary
Immigration Agent
Information Security
INS Agent
IRS Special Agent
Judges, Magistrate Judges, ...
Juvenile Probation Counselor
Law Clerks
Lawyers
Legal Support Workers, All Other
Mediators
NSA Police Officer
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Penologist
Prison Warden
Private Security
Police Detective
Police Officer
Probation Officer
Private Investigator
Secret Service Agent
Sheriff
Substance Abuse Counselor
Title Examiners, Abstractors, ...
TSA Screener
U.S. Marshal
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