What Are the Best Careers in Criminal Justice?

The criminal justice field is wide and varied with occupational opportunities that would fit nearly any personality type and interest. The field itself is steadily growing, meaning that nearly every career is facing good prospects for the future. However, there are several specific niches within the criminal justice field that will be ripe for recent college graduates to enter.

Law enforcement positions, such as police officers, homeland security, and police detectives, will see a big rise in demand well into the next decade. In fact, in 2004, there were more than 800,000 full-time law enforcement officers working in the country, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Furthermore, job opportunities for law enforcement officers are projected to increase 11 percent by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Law enforcement officers work with the local or state government to protect property and the safety of citizens. They have differing responsibilities depending on their fields of specialty and the size of the police department that employs the officers. Officers working in smaller departments may take on more duties than those employed in bigger departments. For example, in bigger departments, some officers may work specifically with different divisions of the city or town or with juveniles. Law enforcement officers also conduct patrols around neighborhoods to ensure that criminal activity is kept at bay. With an average salary of $47,460 annually and good chances of advancement up the ranks, law enforcement is an exciting and rewarding field to join.

Paralegal work is another rapidly growing division of the criminal justice field. With an increase in the population, an increase in court cases is inevitable. Lawyers will need more paralegals to assist them in handling the increased workload. Paralegals are expected to experience a 22 percent growth in employment opportunities by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They help lawyers prepare cases, investigate claims, compile paperwork, and prepare for trials. Paralegals play an important role in ensuring that the court process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Their work in keeping cases filed and organized aids lawyers and clients in getting through the stressful process quicker and reduces the chance for error. Law enforcement careers as well as courtroom careers are both highly gratifying for those who love a challenge and working to help others.