by Kathleen Lynn

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: February 02, 2009

The veteran returning to an ever changing job market after years in service to our country might find themselves best prepared for a career in Criminal Justice. So how would a veteran go about getting a job in this field? Don't be afraid to make use of the veterans preference in the job market. Criminal Justice is one of the fields that takes this into a very high priority when applying for jobs in the system. Another thing to note on your resume is your skills and certifications acquired in the service. Security clearances and background checks are important things these employers are looking for in individuals.

For most prison or institutions, the veteran will not need further education for starting level positions. Correctional Officers are always in demand and provide a steady income with benefits. One of the other things to be aware of when embarking upon this career, is that a lot of times within the institutional systems the climb of the career ladder starts within. Much like in the military, put in your time at the bottom ring of the ladder will start your rise to the top. You can use this stepping stone on the ladder to move yourself in a couple of different career directions. You can take it toward a desk job leaning more upon a caseworker and possibly future management positions. Or you can become a sergeant or major over the other officers, this title probably varies by each state. However you would be interacting more in the "field" of duty with this direction. You would be working more with the inmates and overseeing the other correctional officers. You may have to rush into scenes of various intensity to try and restore order amongst chaos.

If becoming a street cop would be more ideal for you, then you can apply with various agencies in your area. The individual agencies have their own credentials, but again the veteran's experience while serving his country carries a great deal of weight. Some agencies may require you to take a college course. The course usually runs one semester and isn't terribly expensive to gain the certification required to become an officer. Other agencies may provide their own academy for training their officers. St Louis is one area that does this.

The Highway Patrol is another agency where once you start as a trooper, you can climb up the ladder should you not have the college degree. As is the FBI. Years of service within the agency will count towards the promotional opportunities.

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