by Rebecca Dyson

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

No matter how bad the economy gets, there will still be a need for prisons. There will still be a need for corrections professionals. In an uncertain world, the criminal justice field provides some degree of job security.

When you consider which career field you want to enter, job security should be a major factor. Criminal justice is ever-expanding, and there are numerous careers within the field of criminal justice.

Prisons, for example, employ hundreds of people. Various careers include Correctional Officers, Classification Counselors, and clerical staff, among others. States are generally hiring corrections staff. Promotional opportunities are frequent. There are also numerous job possibilities in the field of community corrections. Your educational level may determine which jobs you can apply for. Many jobs require a bachelor degree, while others require a high school diploma or GED.

To get a feel for what the job market looks like in the criminal justice field, you should check out the Department of Corrections website for your state. The site will show what positions are currently being hired as well as give a broad overview of what working in corrections is like. Often you may be able to tour corrections facilities in your area; call and talk to human resources. If you plan to apply to work in a prison, it is good sense to take a tour first.

Educational opportunities in the field of criminal justice are extensive. Many community colleges, for example, offer two year degrees in criminal justice. Some four year universities offer bachelor degrees in criminal justice, and many of these can be earned by attending distance learning classes over the internet.

Staff turnover tends to be fairly high in corrections. It is a difficult field to work in, and can be emotionally draining and exhausting. You should consider how you would handle working with inmates who have committed horrendous crimes. If you can't put personal biases aside and treat the inmates in a respectful, appropriate manner, corrections is not a good career choice for you. Teamwork is essential in a prison. Staff have to work together and watch out for each other. If you prefer to work alone, prisons are not a good career choice.

All human service fields have their pitfalls, and corrections is certainly not immune. Job burnout can be high. The stress level of working in a potentially dangerous place such as a prison can be hard to put aside. But if you like working with people and you want to make a difference, criminal justice can provide not only job security, but a way for you to do both.

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