by Russell Linton

Created on: January 18, 2009   Last Updated: February 02, 2009

Pursuing a career in criminal justice means more than knowing how to handle a firearm and working well under stressful, sometimes life threatening, situations. Gone are the "cowboy" sheriffs of the old west. The new breed of law enforcement professional requires years of education and careful preparation if you wish to successfully enter this exciting career.

Most jobs in criminal justice that fall under the banner of law enforcement or criminal investigation require that you maintain certain physical standards. It is key to know about these requirements early in your career decision. You simply cannot wait until you are given a date for a pre-employment fitness test to start training. It may take many weeks or months to get into the necessary shape to pass these tests.

Each agency has similar pre-employment physical tests, often consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5 to 2 mile run and a sprint or agility drill. Their minimum requirements vary however, so do your research before you apply and make sure you are up to the task. In general, the more prestigious the position, the tougher the requirements. Many departments and federal agencies have websites which provide this information (such as the Special Agent employment section of FBI Jobs wesbite.)

Secondly, nearly all law enforcement positions on Federal and Local levels now require formal education. To obtain a position as a corrections officer or dispatcher, you may be able to get by with a high school education. However, increasingly, local police departments are requiring associate or bachelor's degrees for their officer candidates. Parole officers and other professionals are also held to the same standards. At the federal level, expect to have a bachelor's degree and either a graduate education or highly specialized training relevant to the agency to which you are applying.

If you wish to have a Federal job, find out what skills the agency is looking for and acquire those skills. Foreign languages are an excellent resume addition for any law enforcement positions. Being able to interview witnesses in their native tongue or decipher raw intelligence reports from ongoing investigations will place you much higher in the very competitive pool of applicants. Computer expertise is also becoming a staple of law enforcement as criminals increasingly rely on computers to assist in perpetrating their crimes.

Also, don't overlook the support positions offered in large metropolitan police departments and in Federal agencies.

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