Jobs in the Criminal Justice Field
A slower economy has given employers within the criminal justice sector the opportunity to be more selective with whom they hire. To remain competitive an increasing numbers of would-be entrants to the field are obtaining criminal justice degrees. Having an academic background in psychology/deviant behavior, sociology, urban issues, and political science can not only help you obtain entry-level employment but, over time, lead to senior-level positions in the courts, law enforcement agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
Below we will briefly review various types of jobs in the criminal justice field: Salaries are derived from data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, except as noted.
Federal Jobs In The Criminal Justice Field:
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau (ATF) Agents.
These agents conduct searches or raids when they suspect illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and firearms by individuals or business organizations. Salaries range from $32,000-$50,000.
Customs Inspector
Customs Inspectors are responsible for inspecting luggage and other items being brought into the United States by travelers from other countries. The work of Customs Inspectors is most often performed in airport locations. Salaries range from $23,000-$45,000.
U.S. Marshal
U.S. Marshals are employed by the Justice Department and are responsible for a range of jobs in the criminal justice field from protecting court personnel and witnesses to overseeing assets confiscated during search and seizure. Entry-level salaries start at $27,000 while experienced marshals who reach “GSII Grade” can earn upwards of $50,000, depending on geographic location.
DEA Agents
Employed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, DEA Agents enforce laws that regulate the distribution and use of illegal substances. DEA agents often perform surveillance work of suspected illegal drug activity and participate in criminal investigations. New agents receive training at the DEA facility in Quantico, Virginia. Salaries range from $35,000 to $65,000.
FBI Agent
Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conduct investigation of suspected illegal activity in a diverse range of areas, such as white collar crime, breaches of cyber-security, terrorist activities, and organized crime. A bachelor’s degree is mandatory to enter this field. Preference is also given to applicants who possess two years experience working in jobs in the criminal justice field (e.g. as a police officer), those with a legal background, and accountants (forensic accountants audit the financial records of those companies and organizations suspected of illegally using funds). Starting salaries are competitive at $50,000 with increases after graduation from the agency’s training program in Quantico, Virginia.
Court Jobs In The Criminal Justice Field
Probation Officer
Probation officers are employed by the courts and supervise the activities of those serving probationary sentences. They provide assistance to clients in accessing needed community services such as vocational and housing programs and maintain regular communication with judges, lawyers, employers, and family members. This career is especially appropriate for those with degrees in psychology or sociology. Salaries range from $25,000 to $40,000. Supervisors who oversee large probation departments may earn up to $100,000.
Corrections and Police Officers
Correction Officer
Corrections officers work in prisons and detention facilities and may also responsible for transporting prisoners to court. Within the prison, corrections officers are responsible for supervising all aspects of prisoner’s lives. A minimum of an associate degree is often required for entry-level employment. Median entry-level salary is $26,000 depending on size of prison system.
Crime Scene Investigator
Crime scene investigators (CSIs) collect and analyze evidence of a crime scene. They need to follow very careful procedures for the collection of evidence to prevent contamination. Many CSIs provide testimony in court cases based on their conclusions. It is often the case that CSIs come from the ranks of police officers who obtain special training in investigations, although it is possible to enter this field with a criminal justice degree. Salaries range from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on size of the police department and whether it is located in a large urban area or small town.
Police Officer
Police officers may be employed on the local, state or federal level and oversee public safety by investigating possible illegal activity and apprehending suspects. They also question witnesses to a crime scene and provide court testimony. While it may be possible to obtain an entry-level position in a small town police department with a high school diploma, most jobs in the criminal justice field within large urban areas now require a minimum of an associate’s degree. Depending on whether they work on the local, state, or federal level, salaries can vary from $30,000 for a new police recruit to over $90,000 for a supervisor or police officer with significant experience.
