by Paola Fanutti

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

If you are thinking of making a career change, the fascinating and challenging field of criminal justice opens the door to exciting and expansive careers both in the courtroom and out, without a law degree. Community colleges offer 2-4 year programs in criminal justice and criminology that prepare graduates for many career choices.

Demand for criminal justice workers is increasing and the outlook of most jobs is positive as work continues to thrive in this sector. A program in criminal justice can prepare graduates for the following opportunities:

Legal Assistants/Paralegals

Legal assistants or paralegals assist criminal attorneys with trial paperwork and conduct research and analyze the criminal law areas pertaining to a particular case, and investigate and identify precedents and prepare administrative paperwork. Community colleges offer specialized paralegal and legal assistant courses in addition to criminal justice preparation, and experience is also gained through hands on training.

Police Officers

Police officers protect public safety and enforce the law. Although police departments offer their own police foundations training through specialized police academies, a criminal justice program is helpful preparation for successful completion of police training. Applicants are expected to maintain high physical and moral standards and undergo an intensive background check, including traffic violations, and even slight indiscretions can disqualify applicants. Prior to admission for training, officers are expected to pass a mandatory civil service exam.

Correctional, Parole and Probation Officers

These officers supervise offenders and work in conjunction with correctional facilities or can act as escorts to and from courtrooms and facilities. Corrections academies conduct their own training and screening procedures are similar to those of police officers. While correctional or parole officer are required to work with dangerous offenders, many report that the level of personal satisfaction in protecting public safety and rehabilitating convicted criminals is high.

Victim Services and Youth Counselors

Victim and youth counselors provide support, therapy, and assistance and help empower victims emotionally and spiritually after traumatic events. They may work for non-profit organizations, be court appointed or work in correctional institutions. A victim services or youth counsellor works closely with prosecution and court staff in cases and may be called upon to provide expert opinions, recommendations and testimony. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or social services is required, and some positions require a background in psychology.

Court Officers

A program in criminal justice can prepare graduates to work as court officers in the courtroom. Court clerks maintain and file legal court documents as well as administer oaths and read verdicts, while court reporters, governed by the National Court Reports Association, create verbatim reports of legal proceedings. Bailiffs are responsible for the security of the court, and conduct inspections and searches for weapons, drugs and illegal material.

Private Investigators

Private investigators, detectives, security or loss prevention specialists conduct private surveillance and collect evidence as well as find missing persons. They provide services to insurance companies, police, corporations, legal firms, or private persons. Many successful investigators have preparation in the field of criminal justice and/or forensic science.

Learn more about this author, Paola Fanutti.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.