Why is a Career in Criminal Justice More Than Just Law Enforcement?

Most people automatically think of law enforcement when considering a career related to criminal justice. It is indeed true that becoming a police officer is one essential part of the criminal justice system. Still, many other career paths in criminal justice differ from law enforcement. The criminal justice career has covered many job opportunities, all concerned with community safety and helping people in need.

Working within the Courts

The court system is a significant component of the criminal justice system. It helps to determine an individual’s innocence or guilt in a crime and the extent of the punishment. Careers related to the court system within criminal justice include the many positions available for court clerks, legal assistants, and paralegals.

Legal assistants perform research for lawyers, file maintenance, and legal document preparation. Legal assistants are vital in keeping the court system running effectively. If you are interested in this type of work, you can enroll in a Legal Assistant Program where you learn all the required techniques.

Probation Officers and Parole Officers

Another aspect of criminal justice, not law enforcement, is being a probation or parole officer. Probation officers work with those convicted of a crime yet are not sentenced to jail. They are on probation and must follow specific rules, such as seeing a counselor or avoiding drugs. A probation officer visits these individuals to ensure they follow the rules and behave accordingly.

Parole officers do the same thing, but they deal with people who have already been released from prison. They help them get settled back into life outside the jail and monitor their activities.

Social Workers in Criminal Justice

Another way that criminal justice careers can help people is the role of being a social worker. Social workers in criminal justice would help people who have been victims of crimes or those who need help after getting into trouble with the law. They work with families, children, and older people to show them the right path.

Many social workers work with the courts, police departments, and non-profit organizations. Most social workers provide some counseling to their clients, help them find jobs, and link the clients with support programs.

Investigation Officers 

This job suits those who enjoy puzzles and attention to detail. Crime scene investigators, also known as forensic scientists, collect and analyze evidence from a crime scene. They examine items such as fingerprints, hair samples, or blood to help determine precisely what happened during the crime.

That’s a very different job from catching the bad guy, but it’s equally important. The crime scene investigators will deliver the evidence to help ensure that crimes are solved and the offenders are brought to justice.

Corrections Officers

Corrections officers work in jails and prisons. They ensure that the inmates serving their time in those facilities follow the rules and are safe. Corrections officers also help individuals in prison prepare for life outside the jail by offering various programs designed to teach skills such as job training and education.

While corrections officers work within the structure of a criminal justice system, their jobs incorporate more correctional facility orders and less law enforcement in the community.

Conclusion: Apply Now to Northwest Career College Today

If a career in criminal justice is what you are interested in, now is the time to take that next step. At Northwest Career College, our programs provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. Our extensive career-focused training programs prepare you for high-demand industries, including criminal justice.
Since 1997, Northwest Career College has welcomed thousands of students to its family. Consequently, this means getting the best education possible with our experienced educators and modern facilities in a supportive environment.