law enforcement assignments

Building better officers: The importance of progression plans and rotational assignments

A formal plan that allows officers to grow and develop new skill sets will pay back dividends to your officers, your agency and your community.

Formalized progression planning can ensure officers continue to take on new challenges in diverse roles.

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How do we help officers achieve the best possible level of performance ? How do we reduce officer stress and turnover by improving job satisfaction? And how do we ensure we will always have a new generation of officers prepared for the challenging demands of leadership within our agencies?

These are issues faced by every law enforcement administrator regardless of tenure, agency size or budget that can be addressed by a progression plan and rotational assignments.

Much like competitive athletes, law enforcement officers at all levels exhibit “raw” talents, including leadership abilities. Much like competitive athletes, these raw abilities have to be refined and developed through a combination of coaching and experience in order for the officer to develop the skills needed to improve performance, as well as prepare them for career advancement.

For most agencies, this structured process is known as a progression plan and normally incorporates the use of rotational assignments in job duties outside of patrol. Since individual agencies base their plan on department needs, plans vary in regard to requirements and complexity. The common theme for all comprehensive progression plans is to provide standardized training, education and experience requirements for each rank and level of leadership within the agency, along with rotational assignment opportunities for every officer to develop the skills needed to perform at each level and progress to the next.

SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE

For most of us, our police career began in a highly structured environment. Every stage of our pre-hire, police academy and field training was structured so that we had to successfully complete a series of milestones in order to advance to the next phase. This structure resulted in well-defined roles and performance expectations.

Many officers, however, find that once the probationary period ends they are left with little or no career guidance or progression . The goals and ideals that brought them to pursue a career in law enforcement start to fade as the various realities of the job become more prevalent. By their fifth year on the job, law enforcement officers often describe entering a period of burnout , where the demands and realities of the job begin to overwhelm them. Feelings of indifference and apathy can have long-lasting negative effects and cause some good officers to leave law enforcement altogether.

Through the use of career guidance and enhancement tools such as formalized progression planning and rotational assignments, law enforcement leaders can create an environment where officers continue to take on new challenges in diverse roles that will help prepare them for the increased responsibilities of first-line leadership and beyond. Officers will be continually motivated and feel a greater sense of job satisfaction. A more well-rounded officer will have a broader range of experiences to draw from and be better equipped to serve their community.

PROGRESSION PLANNING

Unlike succession planning, which delegates authority in the event of unavailability or incapacitation of one person to another, progression planning is the formal process of incrementally maturing an officer and preparing them for the next stage of their career or for the next level of leadership within the agency.

The progression plan is the “road map” for an officer’s career and outlines the requirements of each level, coinciding with the agency rank structure.

Normally, the progression is divided into increments of three to five years per level, so new officers have an idea of the roles they will have in their agency over the course of a career. Agency leaders should give careful consideration to the mix of requirement ratios, so that an equal opportunity for advancement exists among officers with advanced degrees and/or military experience and/or years of prior service with outside agencies.

The line of progression up to the first-line leadership position is usually merit based, meaning that promotions are automatic once all requirements are met. Typical entry-level progression and rank examples would be probationary officer, police officer and master officer/corporal. Officers must attain the agency-prescribed mix of training, education, experience, time in grade, time in assignments and total years of service for each increment in order to advance to the next.

For example, a probationary officer may be required to satisfactorily complete all required training and achieve a satisfactory year-end review in order to progress to police officer. Progression from police officer to master officer/corporal may require a mix of four years of experience at the police officer level, five years of total law enforcement experience, and at least three years of experience in two separate rotational assignments or collateral duties such as evidence technician, first-aid instructor, or victim/witness representative.

First-line and senior-leadership progression is normally competitive based, meaning that promotions are awarded to those most qualified; examples are sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander and deputy chief. In addition to the aforementioned agency-prescribed mix of requirements, these positions will most likely also require the candidate to fulfill additional requirements such as written job knowledge tests and oral interviews . Advanced degree completion and graduation from a command staff program or the FBI National Academy may also be required to assist the senior leadership professional in transitioning from their role as a tactical leader (skills performance leadership) to a strategic leader (mission and resource planning leadership).

Effective and efficient strategic leadership requires a healthy understanding of the agency’s role in community service, so community involvement is critical. Many departments consider including some type of civic leadership course requirement for senior and command staff. These sessions or classes are normally composed of leaders within the civic, academic and business communities and are sponsored by local colleges or chambers of commerce. These programs help participants gain an insight of their community from a different perspective, as well as help them expand their network of community contacts.

ROTATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

Highly skilled patrol officers will always provide the foundation of operations within most conventional police agencies. By providing officers the opportunity to work in various rotational assignments other than patrol, we can build upon that base and leverage new skill sets and experiences in order to develop an officer better able to formulate solutions to both everyday and long-term challenges.

By incorporating the rotational assignments within a functional progression plan, officers gain a practical knowledge of the skills needed for each assignment while they are providing a diverse array of services to your agency and community. These skills can be built upon, so that officers are better prepared for their next assignment, as well as an eventual transition into first-line leadership.

Collateral duties

A rotational assignment may be assigned full-time or as a collateral duty. A collateral duty assignment is one that an officer can perform part time or as needed in addition to their regularly assigned duties.

Collateral duties may be part-time rather than full-time due to various reasons. Special operations and underwater dive team call outs, search and rescue missions and evidence technician responses to crime scenes are all examples of an “as-needed” collateral duty.

Other collateral duties may be performed seasonally or with the use of special equipment such as police mountain bike patrols , equestrian mounted patrols and marine patrols .

Some smaller agencies may make use of part-time collateral duties due to limited staffing. Officers who normally work patrol duties may be scheduled a certain amount of time per tour of duty where they are released from responding to routine calls for service in order to perform their collateral assignments such as crime prevention or drug education officer, as well as various specialized enforcement operations.

It is vital to remember that part-time positions still require the same initial training, equipment and continuing education as full-time positions.

Full-time assignments

Full-time rotational assignments take place in divisions other than patrol operations. Most will require the officer to accept the assignment for a term of three to five years, giving them ample time to learn the job and hone their skills before moving on to their next assignment, returning to patrol or being promoted. Traditional internal assignments are to another division within the department, while external assignments include local or regional task forces .

There are often fewer opportunities for officers to rotate through different full-time assignments in smaller agencies. This is unfortunate since it is smaller agencies that benefit most from full-time rotational assignments. However, a smaller agency can still have full-time rotational assignments with some outside-the-box thinking.

Similar to an agency partnership with its local school board to provide specialized school resource officers , there is an opportunity for everyone to benefit in situations where government offices that traditionally do not have their own law enforcement personnel such as city or county utilities, planning offices or revenue commission offices have an “embedded” law enforcement officer. The officer gains valuable experience in formulating non-traditional approaches to law enforcement problem-solving while the agency gains full-time, custom-tailored law enforcement support. The officer remains a member of the police department and an accounting arrangement is made to divide the cost between the police department and the other agency. Additionally, the cost of some positions can be further reduced by applying for salary and equipment grants.

Rotational enforcement and inspections assignments in other city or county departments can include the offices of housing authority, building/code inspector, business license inspector, parks and recreation, and environmental protection/sanitation departments. Investigative rotational assignment opportunities might be found with the district attorney, humane society, emergency management and fire departments. In any of these roles, officers will expand their resource network while learning new skills and problem-solving techniques.

WHY PROGRESSION PLANNING MAKES SENSE

Progression planning offers many benefits for both the officer and the agency. It allows officers to see what their career will look like over time. It gives everyone an equal opportunity for promotion within the agency. It provides consistency and stability by ensuring that all officers receive the same level of training and experience, which in turn allows the agency to provide a higher level of consistent service to the community. Finally, it helps to provide sustainability to the agency, as well as continuity of operations, by continually advancing officers.

Lt. Mike Walker is a 29-year veteran of local and federal law enforcement. He has served in a variety of assignments with a concentration in investigative work. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the 247th Session of the FBI National Academy.

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Police Specialties -- The Next Level of Law Enforcement

When job seekers thinking about a law enforcement career contemplate their ultimate professional goals in police work, they typically think of promotions to sergeant, lieutenant or captain. But there are other careers within law enforcement to consider, including a number of specialized disciplines that allow these professionals to stay involved in policing without spending most of their workday on the streets.

Here are a few of the dozens of specialized occupations open to aspiring law-enforcement professionals:

Related: Search for Law Enforcement jobs .

Latent Print Examiner

Even in this age of sophisticated DNA testing, the professionals who analyze and match fingerprints remain central to the forensic function of police departments. Fingerprint specialists, known in the profession as latent print examiners, compare crime scene evidence to national databases of prints using a variety of technologies.

Latent print examiner positions often require a bachelor's degree in science or the

equivalent in training and experience. Successful candidates have years of experience in law enforcement or a latent print examiner certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI).

Latent print examiners typically earn between $36,000 and $60,000, according to 2005 job postings for midsized police departments.

Polygraph Examiner

Police polygraph examiners ask the questions and tell detectives whether the suspect's or witness's answers appear to be truthful. The professionals who operate polygraph technology and interpret the results must have a strong understanding of human physiology and psychology and then use that knowledge under the stressful circumstances of criminal investigations.

Police polygraph examiners must typically complete an education program accredited by the American Polygraph Association. According to job postings, these professionals typically are paid $46,000 to $89,000 in big-city departments, where their services are in greatest demand.

Search for Polygraph Examiner jobs.

Sketch Artist

Another important investigative specialist in the contemporary urban police department is the sketch artist (also known as composite artist). Police sketch artists have a tough job, working from the imperfect memories of victims and witnesses to create an image that's accurate enough to produce a match with the perpetrator.

Many police artists still sketch by hand. Others use computer programs to create and tweak facial features until witnesses are satisfied.

"We combine art skills with years of experience investigating," says officer John Skinner, a 30-year veteran of the Concord Police Department in Massachusetts, who spends part of his week doing sketches. Skinner finds the assignment an ideal way to combine his interests in art and criminal justice.

Police sketch artists must generally take 40 to 120 hours of instruction at a school approved by the IAI.

Related:  Does your resume pass the 6-second test?  Get a FREE assessment .

Community Relations Officer

In this era of community policing, community relations officers play a key role in big-city departments. Sometimes called community liaison officers, these professionals build links between their departments and schools, youth organizations, charities and other nonprofits in the community and businesses to improve poor social conditions that engender criminal behavior.

Police officers typically become involved in community relations because it is a lifelong interest. Some may have no formalized training in the specialty; others have a degree in criminal justice or sociology.

Community relations officers are often sergeants or lieutenants and are compensated on those pay scales. Police sergeants most commonly earn $45,000 to $70,000, according to Monster's Salary Wizard.

Special Assignments

There's another avenue of career mobility for big-city officers who demonstrate superior skills and are willing to go for additional training: An assignment to a specialized police unit. These assignments include anti-gang, antiterrorism and canine units, arson and bomb squads, SWAT teams and the white-collar crimes division, according to John Douglas's Guide to Landing a Career in Law Enforcement.

Special police assignments vary widely in terms of qualifications and pay. Most of their training is acquired on the job, and these professionals tend to receive greater compensation than patrol officers do. Patrol officers typically earn a median salary of $41,000 in a town like Kingsport, Tennessee, to $50,000 in a city like Los Angeles, according to Monster's Salary Wizard.

[Professor Michael Kimmel is a sociologist who is among the leading researchers and writers on men and masculinity in the world today and the author or editor of more than 20 volumes, including his latest, Guyland.]

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Grace: When I heard I got the job, my sister actually started making jokes that I was going to be the coffee girl. You know you’re going to get doughnuts and you’re going to get coffee. And I walked in going, OK, I’ll scan some papers and I’ll do some small tasks. That is the absolute opposite of what I’ve actually done. I’m getting to help on real cases, I’m doing real investigative work in conjunction with the special agents, the task force officers, the professional staff. And it’s been such an amazing opportunity to see the results of my efforts. You know, I go home at night and I can say hey I really contributed today, you know, I didn’t just scan papers, I’m not filing things, I’m actually helping make a difference.

Joshua: So, I’ve been working white-collar for this internship and it really applies to what I’ve been doing at school studying business. I’ve been working with bank statements, working with forensic accountants, and doing a lot of things actually that apply to my major and I’ve really been able to use what I learned at school and apply it here. It’s been a really cool experience getting to use the things that I’ve been learning to help solve cases.

Laura: I actually more specifically on the cyber squad usually work with our CART team, which is our Computer Analysis Response Team. And they’re our digital forensic examiners for the office. So anytime there is a computer or tablet or phone involved in an investigation, CART goes out on the search warrants and seizes it and then they are trained in processing the evidence so that the case agents can review it and we can maintain a good chain of custody on it. And something that I think is really interesting about them is they work on all different types of investigations. So, I’ve worked gang investigations, I’ve worked violent crimes against children, I’ve worked counter terrorism. I’ve gotten to work a whole range of investigations throughout my time here and I think that is what makes every day interesting and unique and I’ve really enjoyed that.

Ashley: My dad’s actually an FBI agent and he’s been an FBI agent my whole life. So I thought that I knew what the Bureau was, and I had a pretty good idea more than most of the interns. But what I did not expect was just how much of a family it feels like. Everyone is super welcoming and it’s not like any other workplace I’ve ever been in where you come in for your shift and then when you’re done, you’re done. It’s like the relationships in the Bureau are truly something to be marveled. It really is a big family.

Myisha: The people here are amazing, you see them out in the field and you’re kind of like they are so strict and they are kind of intimidating, but once you get to know them they are actually really nice people. Because of the internship, I’ve learned so much. The FBI is kind of like this huge entity that is so mysterious, but no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. And I think that is the best part is actually being part of what goes on behind closed doors and being able to look at it and see it firsthand.

Laura: I think the most fulfilling experience I’ve had is watching cases go from the very beginning to the very end. I had a couple search warrants that I was able to go on my first summer here that this summer I’ve been able to go to the sentencings and see the cases all the way through. And in the sentencings you meet the victims and you meet their families and it’s just a really awesome experience to be able to know that the work that you did directly affected someone’s life for the better.

Ashley: I’d definitely say that one thing I learned about the bureau that even if I don’t continue in the bureau I will carry with me for the rest of my life is that the most successful people in any workforce are the ones who do the right thing regardless of whether it will upset somebody or if it’s not the best thing for their career or the promotion, they just always do the right thing.

Joshua: This experience has totally changed my perspective of what I saw my future as, I was dead set pre-med going into school and now that I’ve seen that there are other careers out there other than what I initially thought I wanted to do, especially those something that can fit with my biology degree within the Bureau, my mind is totally open to those other options so I can take the skills I’ve developed here, the methodical research skills and I can apply them to my education and then I can turn right back around and apply those educational skills that I’ve developed in school and put them towards working for the Bureau. I could be a forensics analyst, I could work at the full research Lab up in Quantico, there are so many niches in the Bureau that I feel that even a degree like biology, which most people would associate as a pre-medical path, it can be put towards work in the Bureau.

Grace: The FBI has truly become my summer home and every single summer I love coming back here. You know I never come to work, like, oh man, I have to go to somewhere to work all summer. I get excited to come back and I miss the people here when I’m away. So, if someone is looking at the FBI internship and is unsure, I say go for it. It’s a wonderful program and I would definitely recommend it.

Laura: I would tell anyone who is interested in applying to this internship to just go ahead and apply regardless of what you think you want to do. I think no matter what you think your future career goal is, the FBI has a place for you if you want one. And that’s definitely something I learned coming in as a STEM major, not related to criminal justice at all. I’ve definitely fit super well into the bureau, better than I ever thought and it’s been a fantastic experience that I recommend for all majors.

FIND YOUR CAREER TODAY

To be eligible for the Collegiate Hiring Initiative, you must:

• Attend/have attended a U.S.-accredited college or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral student.
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• Have and maintain a 2.95 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and through graduation.
• Not be a current, permanent FBI employee.

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Are you an aspiring professional? If you are a student or recent graduate, you may be eligible for one of our Collegiate Hiring Initiative positions.

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To apply, you must meet our Employment Eligibility requirements. Additionally, you will be required to provide your most recent official college transcripts demonstrating GPA, anticipated graduation date, veteran status and required documentation if claiming veterans preference, and any other information related to work experience in your application.

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The FBI Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for early career scientists and recent graduates to participate in forensic science research at the FBI Laboratory, one of the largest and most comprehensive crime labs in the world. Since 1982, the Lab’s research program has welcomed postgraduates and faculty on sabbatical and provided them a unique work experience.

Program participants perform research in areas of interest to law enforcement and national security under the guidance of leading Forensic Scientists at the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. Participants receive monthly stipends commensurate with their educational level and a training and travel allowance.

VSP Overview

To be eligible for the Visiting Scientist program, you must:

• Be in compliance with the FBI Employment Drug Policy.
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Qualified applicants must apply directly to ORISE using the key word FBI.

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Assistant Federal Security Director - Law Enforcement (AFSD-LE)

The Assistant Federal Security Director for Law Enforcement serves as TSA's primary liaison to the local area law enforcement community and works to address law enforcement issues, share intelligence, and enhance the security at our nation's airports.

Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF)

The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) is comprised of various state and federal agencies with the primary directive of investigating potential terrorist related activities and suspicious incidents. Federal Air Marshals serve as an important member of these task forces, assisting in their investigations.

Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) support the recurrent and new hire training at TSA/Federal Air Marshal training facilities and local field offices. FAMs work closely with state, local, federal and foreign partners to update and share best training practices.

Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR)

Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams regularly participate in transportation security operations in all modes of transportation to include mass transit, rail and maritime. TSA deploys VIPR teams to supplement existing security resources, provide a deterrent presence and detection capabilities, and introduce an element of unpredictability to disrupt potential terrorist planning or operational activities.

Headquarters (HQ)

To support the mission of TSA and LE/FAMS, Federal Air Marshals hold assignments at various headquarters locations, to include liaison opportunities within DHS and with other federal law enforcement partners

Criminal Investigation  (1811)

• Promotes the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of TSA’s workforce, programs and resources through objective and independent criminal and administrative investigations. 
• Conducts both criminal and administrative investigations of TSA employees, entities, persons contracted by TSA, regulated parties and civilians. 
• Leads or performs work involving planning, conducting, or managing investigations related to alleged or suspected criminal violations of federal laws.
• Recognizes, develops and presents evidence to reconstruct events, sequences, time elements, relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities and conflicts of interest.
• Conducts investigations that meet legal and procedural requirements.
• Provides advice and assistance both in and out of court to the U.S. Attorney’s Office during investigations and prosecutions.
• Implements knowledge of criminal investigative techniques, rules of criminal procedures, laws and precedent court decisions concerning the admissibility of evidence, constitutional rights, search and seizure and related issues in the conduct of investigations.

Roles include: Criminal Investigator, Supervisory Criminal Investigator

Eligibility

• U.S. citizen or national
• 21-36 years old (certain exceptions may apply to veterans over 36)
• Valid driver's license

Learn from one of TSA's first Federal Air Marshals, and how his career has evolved since his days in the field.

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10 Criminal Justice Careers: Which Path Is Right For You?

Updated: Jan 2, 2024, 5:39am

Criminal justice is a broad and rapidly evolving field that offers diverse career opportunities in the public and private sectors, including law enforcement, policymaking, correctional counseling and victim advocacy. Many criminal justice careers encompass components of the law, public safety and behavioral science, such as sociology or psychology.

Criminal justice careers can be both challenging and rewarding. This article overviews 10 career paths for prospective criminal justice professionals to consider.

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What Is Criminal Justice?

Criminal justice comprises the systems through which criminals are charged, apprehended, convicted and sentenced according to the law. Three primary branches––law enforcement, courts and corrections––constitute the criminal justice system. Several subfields exist within these three branches, such as homeland security, cybersecurity, forensic psychology , law, social services and public administration.

10 Criminal Justice Career Paths

Criminal justice is a broad field that encompasses diverse career paths and opportunities. Below, you’ll find a sampling of potential careers you can pursue in this field.

We sourced the below salary and job growth data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) .

Median Annual Salary: $49,100 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): -2% Job Description: Bailiffs, sometimes called court security officers, are responsible for ensuring the safety of all participants present in the courtroom, including the judge and jury, maintaining order in the courtroom and removing disruptive individuals from the courtroom when necessary. Bailiffs typically announce the judge’s arrival and call the court to order.

Qualifications and training for bailiffs can vary depending on the jurisdiction and state. Generally, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED diploma. Some states require formal training, while others accept degrees in criminal justice or adjacent disciplines.

Correctional Officer

Median Annual Salary: $49,610 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): -8% Job Description: Correctional officers supervise the daily activities of inmates in detention or correctional facilities to maintain security, ensure safety and enforce rules. These professionals play an integral role in supporting offenders and formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into society and their communities. Correctional officers typically work for local, state and federal governments.

The qualifications and educational requirements can vary widely depending on which state and level of government in which you desire to work. While many states require correctional officers to hold a high school diploma or GED credential, it’s becoming increasingly common for these professionals to have postsecondary education. Employers typically prefer candidates with degrees in criminal justice or a closely related field like criminology.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Professor

Median Annual Salary: $64,990 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +8% Job Description: Criminal justice and law enforcement professors teach undergraduate and graduate criminal justice, corrections and law enforcement administration courses. These professionals prepare lessons, deliver lectures, facilitate classroom discussions and grade students’ assignments.

The typical minimum education requirement for criminal justice and law enforcement professors is a master’s degree in criminal justice or a closely related field. Qualifications can vary depending on the institution and program. In some cases, these professionals must hold a doctoral degree.

Detective or Criminal Investigator

Median Annual Salary: $86,280 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +1% Job Description: Detectives, or criminal investigators, conduct thorough investigations of illegal activities and other violations of local, state and federal law. These professionals seek and gather information and evidence to uncover critical details about cases and solve crimes.

Generally, the minimum education requirement for detectives is a high school diploma or GED. Larger firms or departments typically prefer candidates with post-secondary education, such as an associate or bachelor’s in criminal justice, criminology, psychology or a closely related discipline.

Fish and Game Warden

Median Annual Salary: $59,500 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): -6% Job Description: Fish and game wardens work for state and federal agencies. These professionals oversee, protect and manage wildlife by enforcing wildlife codes and fishing, hunting and boating laws and ensuring individuals meet licensing requirements.

Education and training requirements vary by state. Some states require fish and game wardens to complete two years of college study, while others require these professionals to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The following may be required to enter this career.

• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Be in good physical health
• Have no felony convictions

Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer

Median Annual Salary: $65,790 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +3% Job Description: Police or sheriff’s patrol officers typically work for a city, county, state or federal government. These professionals closely monitor and patrol assigned areas, enforce laws, watch for criminal activity, respond to and assess emergencies and investigate criminal complaints.

Private Detective or Investigator

Median Annual Salary: $52,120 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +6% Job Description: Private detectives, or investigators, assist individuals, corporations and law enforcement agencies locate missing persons, perform thorough research for financial, legal or criminal investigations and discern relevant information for solving cases.

The qualifications for private detectives can vary widely depending on the employer. Generally, these professionals must hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a closely related discipline and meet state-specific licensing requirements.

Probation Officer

Median Annual Salary: $59,860 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +3% Job Description: Probation officers supervise individuals who have been given probation. These professionals ensure and enforce compliance with the conditions of probation, evaluate offenders’ progress to determine the best course of treatment and provide resources that aid in rehabilitation.

The minimum education requirement to work as a probation officer is a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, social work or a closely related field. Additionally, probation officers must fulfill jurisdiction-specific requirements, be at least 21 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license and pass background and drug screening tests. Many probation officer positions include state-specific or federal government-sponsored training programs and certification tests.

Security Guard

Median Annual Salary: $34,750 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): -1% Job Description: Security guards keep properties under surveillance, enforce the properties’ rules and regulations and respond to emergencies. These professionals protect against vandalism, theft and other illegal activities. They also control property access by employees and visitors, closely monitor surveillance systems and work to prevent criminal activity.

The qualifications for a security guard or officer can vary depending on the employer and the organization’s size. Generally, the minimum education requirement for security guards is a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Transit Police Officer

Median Annual Salary: $69,150 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +3% Job Description: Transit police officers are responsible for ensuring and maintaining the public safety of people and property of transportation networks and systems. These professionals oversee railroads, bus lines, subways, freight companies and other forms of transportation and respond to emergencies and investigate crimes occurring in these environments.

The qualifications and requirements for transit police officers can vary depending on the jurisdiction and state. Generally, these professionals must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate, be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.

Criminal Justice Degrees

What can you do with a criminal justice degree ? Earning a degree in criminal justice can equip you with specialized knowledge and skills, help you qualify for competitive roles within the field, expand your career opportunities and increase your earning potential. As an academic discipline, criminal justice offers diverse concentrations and specializations, allowing you to tailor your studies toward your interests and professional goals.

Below you’ll find an overview of the various criminal justice degrees you can pursue.

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

An associate degree in criminal justice introduces the fundamentals of the criminal justice system. Students can pursue an Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Science (A.S.) or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in criminal justice. The curriculum can vary depending on the school and degree program; however, coursework typically covers the following topics:

• Introduction to criminal justice
• Introduction to corrections
• Introduction to forensic science
• Court systems
• Criminal investigations
• Criminal law

Generally, students must complete 60 credit hours to earn an associate degree, which takes around two years. Online and accelerated options are available for students who want to earn their degree in a year or less.

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

A criminal justice bachelor’s degree provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the criminal justice system, including its three primary branches: law enforcement, courts and corrections. The curriculum can vary greatly depending on the school and program, but common course topics include the following:

• Introduction to the criminal justice system
• Criminology
• Forensic science
• Law enforcement

Generally, students must complete 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s in criminal justice, which can take around four years of full-time study.

Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

A master’s in criminal justice is a graduate degree that allows students to further develop the skills and knowledge they acquired during their undergraduate studies. Many master’s programs in criminal justice offer concentrations or specializations such as cybersecurity, law, public policy, emergency management and homeland security.

This degree generally takes two years, but some online master’s programs in criminal justice offer an accelerated pace and take one year to complete.

Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice

A doctoral degree in criminal justice allows students to undertake research at the highest level and prepares students for advanced positions in the field, such as policymaking, academia and forensic research. Many criminal justice doctoral programs offer specializations in subjects such as forensic science, criminology, homeland security, juvenile justice and criminal justice policy.

Most programs require a capstone or dissertation paired with a final comprehensive exam.

Generally, doctoral programs in criminal justice require students to complete between 40 to 60 credits, which typically take four to eight years of study. However, completion times vary drastically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Criminal Justice Careers

What criminal justice career pays the most.

Lawyers, judges and hearing officers consistently rank at the top of criminal justice careers with the highest earning potential. Several factors can impact your salary, including location, professional experience and education.

What careers are important to the field of criminal justice?

Criminal justice is a comprehensive system that comprises several components. Every position, agency and system that forms the criminal justice system plays an integral role in its function.

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Mariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to brand strategies and driving small business growth through targeted content. In the last three years, she's primarily produced education-focused content, writing on topics like degree programs, trade schools and career pathways.

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