Train for a New Career: Criminal Justice

One look at the dramas on TV and it's clear that Americans have a fascination with anything related to criminal justice. Margery Melvin, a criminal justice instructor at the University of Phoenix Southern California campus, put it this way: “Criminal justice is at the foundation of American life and culture. Without the criminal justice system and the many professionals who labor tirelessly for her health, the American Dream just wouldn't be possible. Criminal justice requires that all individuals live under the same code of conduct. When that code is breached, a sound criminal justice system ensures that justice will be served.”

Career Paths in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice careers cover a wide scope of interest — from science geeks who become forensic scientists to the street-savvy patrol officers who become detectives over time. And a bachelor's degree in criminal justice affords you a wide choice of job settings: police officer, airline security representative, customs agent, criminal investigator, animal treatment investigator, probation officer, paralegal or legal assistant, court administrator or administrative work such as correctional counseling, research and planning and data analysts. There are also jobs in the private and nonprofit sectors such as banking, insurance and corporate fraud prevention.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Because of the broad range of career directions, it’s difficult to describe a typical day. But Gregory A. Estevane, PI, JD, assistant director of the School of Justice at Westwood College, said this: “This is a people business, and no two days or two people are alike. As such each day brings new excitement and challenges in doing our best to provide justice.”

Wendy Lopez followed her sister into the criminal justice program at Westwood College. "At a young age I always wanted to work with troubled youth as a teacher or counselor,” she said.  Upon high school graduation, Lopez decided she wanted to become a probation officer, and now, "with every day that passes, I feel one step closer to accomplishing this," she said. "I’ve always believed if it’s immoral then it is wrong, regardless of the situation. The courses I’ve completed have enhanced my way of thinking and processing information. In criminal justice you should always keep an open mind.”

In the Classroom

Criminal justice programs to cover the more broad theoretical classes, as well as classes specific areas such as criminology, juvenile law, criminal procedure, courts, drugs, gangs, corrections, constitutional law, comparative criminal justice, women and criminal justice, justice administration, and many other courses designed to give a strong foundation in ethics and procedure.

For example, at Argosy University in San Diego, if you go through the bachelor's degree program you’ll get an overview of classes in criminal justice and then have the option to select a concentration in your choice of corrections, forensic psychology, homeland security, management, police, security management or substance abuse.

In addition, all the schools we spoke with have internship programs that give students real-time experience in the criminal justice system. Maria Jeffery, president of the Criminal Justice Student Association at California State University, Los Angeles, said, "Students [interning with a criminal justice agency] are not limited to probation, police and parole, but also intern for children’s court and community organizations that provide services such as reading, tutoring and art programs. This opportunity helps expose students to the real world, its upsides and downsides. Criminal justice is not just about enforcing the law, but is intertwined with other health and human services such as nursing and social work.”

Does Crime Pay?

Depending on which branch of the industry you choose, and if you work for a government agency, the private sector or a nonprofit, starting pay can range from $40,000-$65,000.

Job satisfaction is very high. Darrell Davis, a sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department, told us, “I chose this career path unexpectedly. I had a friend who asked me to go with him to take the LAPD test, so I did. I passed the test and he did not. I had no desire to become a police officer, but I am glad that I did [pass]. I enjoy talking and helping people. I also enjoy fixing problems. When I have solved a problem and helped someone, I get great satisfaction from knowing that I was able to have a impact on someone else’s life.”

It’s your call: Would you rather be on your couch watching dramas on TV, or making a difference in the real world? If you have a passion for community and justice, training for a new career in criminal justice could be right for you.   ­

Did You Know...?

• Victims of crime in 17th-century America were responsible for instigating prosecution — and financing it.
• The first modern-style law enforcement agency was created in 1667 by King Louis XIV to police Paris, France.
• Prior to 1870, when the U.S. federal government created the Department of Justice to take on new federal law enforcement duties created by the Interstate Commerce Act, all criminal justice matters were handled locally by cities and states.
• Women make up only 12 percent of the law enforcement industry in the U.S.

Lady Justice

Depicted as a matron carrying a sword and scales, sometimes wearing a blindfold, Lady Justice’s roots come from a mix Greek and Roman deities. She is most often depicted with a set of scales suspended from her left hand, upon which she measures the strengths of a case's support and opposition. She is also seen carrying a double-edged sword in her right hand, symbolizing the power of Reason and Justice, which may be wielded either for or against any party.

In some examples, Lady Justice is also depicted wearing a blindfold. This is done in order to indicate that justice is (or should be) distributed objectively, without fear or favor, regardless of identity, money, power or weakness. In other words, blind justice and blind impartiality.

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