Ontario, California Lady Police Officer – Photo Courtesy: jondoeforty1
Traditionally, the field of criminal justice has been a man’s world. Men are physically stronger and considered more able to succeed in law enforcement. In today’s environment, however, women are finding more success in criminal justice careers than ever before.
Attitudes are changing and women are finding themselves in high ranking positions in the field.
Here are five exciting career choices for women choosing to walk down the criminal justice path:
1. Corrections Officer
There is a common misconception that female corrections officers are only permitted to work in women’s facilities. The truth is that female officers are making up a large portion of the employee population in prisons and jails around the country. As a corrections officer, you will be responsible for the care, custody and control of the inmates housed in your facility. You will be charged with serving meals, handing out medication and ensuring that the prison is secure.
2. FBI Agent
Having a career as an FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agent can be full of adventure and excitement. You can work in virtually any location in the nation, making it perfect if you like to travel or want to see new areas of the country. You will need a college degree if you want to join the FBI; the bureau requires that its agents complete a course of study at a college or university. There are a variety of careers within the bureau, ensuring that you will always be able to find your perfect niche within the agency.
3. Forensic Psychologist
If you have an interest in the inner-workings of the human mind, a career as a forensic psychologist may be right up your alley. We all know that criminals break the law, but why do they do it? As a forensic psychologist, you’ll be taxed with discovering why criminals do the things that they do. The career can be a very lucrative one, especially if you go into business for yourself as a consultant. You can reasonably expect to make close to $80,000 a year in this profession.
4. Police Officer
No list of criminal justice careers is complete without listing “police officer” as a choice. By far, a career as a police officer is the number one position that people think of when they think of criminal justice. Women are more than able to hold positions as officers of the law and are entering the ranks in record numbers.
As an officer, you will be in charge of arresting minor offenders and major criminals. You may take exams to move up the ladder, or happily work the road for your entire career. There are a variety of jobs within the walls of a police department, making it an exciting career for anyone.
5. Private Investigator
If you want to work for yourself but still be involved in law enforcement, you may want to look into a career as a private investigator. You may be hired by members of the general public, owners of businesses or even government officials. If you have a mind for puzzles, an interest in criminal justice and a desire to be your own boss, a career as a private investigator is worth a look.
If you are a woman, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you cannot have a successful career in criminal justice. Whether you want to get out in the field or sit behind a desk, there are a variety of jobs within the category, ensuring that you’ll find a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Gary Leonard writes for several education sites and recommends bestcriminaljustice.com to learn about a career in criminal justice.
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