What Are Some Good Jobs in the Criminal Justice Field?

The criminal justice (CJ) field--law enforcement, corrections and the courts-- requires skills that are also used in other professions (social work and the military, for example); therefore, what is considered a "good job" in the CJ field is considered a "good job" in professions requiring similar skill sets. Thus, obtaining a good job in the CJ field can aid workers in getting a good job in another field, if they become displaced workers.

Types of Jobs

Criminal justice jobs are generally broken down into three different types: law enforcement officer (police, deputy or correctional facility), administration (clerical staff and agency leadership), and judicial (judges), with good jobs existing in each type.

Job Employment Levels

There are basically three levels of employment and financial compensation in the CJ field: The federal level (providing the highest pay and benefits), the state level (offering a mid-range level of compensation), and the local level (cities and counties) providing the least pay and benefits, generally.

Any Federal Job is a Good Job

Any job at the federal level is considered a good job due to the greater benefits and compensation enjoyed by the employee and the unlikelihood that the individual will become a displaced worker.

Good CJ Jobs in Law Enforcement

Almost all law enforcement officers inevitably aspire to become a Special Agent (SA) for a federal agency. If this is not possible, other good jobs are SA for a state law enforcement agency, or employment as a police officer or deputy sheriff at a local agency.

Federal Job Considerations

Federal jobs in the CJ field, regardless of type, generally requires a willingness on the part of the job applicant to move anywhere, geographically, she is needed by the hiring agency.

Good CJ Jobs in Corrections

The corrections field has many good federal and state jobs: prison guard officer, security camera surveillance technician, press liaison, psychiatrist and clerical support staff. Good jobs with local law enforcement agencies are usually obtained after many years of on-the-job training and experience and those include: detective, undercover operative and administrative leadership (as sheriff, a department major or patrol captain).

Good Judicial Jobs

Becoming a judge is a good job, providing the opportunity to impact the CJ system at the grass-roots levels, while also enjoying excellent pay and benefits. However, becoming a lawyer (prosecutor, assistant prosecutor or defense attorney) is also a good job to have for the same reasons.

Resources

• USA Federal Job Website