Career Guide in Criminal Justice

Description

Career Guide in Criminal Justice is the guide to getting hired and working in the criminal justice system. Featuring a straightforward and accessible writing style, it covers the three main components of the criminal justice system--law enforcement, courts, and corrections--discussing career opportunities in local, state, and federal government along with those in the private sector. The book also looks at careers in private investigations, the bond industry, forensic psychology, cybersecurity, and other related fields. Douglas Klutz helps students develop practical skills including succeeding as a student in higher education, acting ethically and professionally, writing cover letters and résumés, securing internships, preparing for interviews, and effective networking and career-building strategies. In addition, he addresses many of the common myths related to working in the criminal justice system, offering students invaluable real-world guidance.

Table of Contents

Each chapter opens with an Introduction and ends with a Summary, Assessment Questions, a Critical
Thinking Exercises, an Active Learning Activity, and Key Terms.
Preface
Chapter 1. Clearing Up the Many Misconceptions Regarding Criminal Justice Careers
Understanding Myths vs. Realities
Myth #1: The "Criminal Profiler"
Myth #2: CSI Fictional Depictions Are Realistic
Myth #3: Detectives Solve the Majority of Crimes
Myth #4: You Can Become a Detective Without Relevant Field Experience
Myth #5: Police Officers Are Always Immersed in Action Just Like in Cops
Myth #6: Orange is the New Black is a Realistic Portrayal of Prison
Myth #7: Courtroom Fictional Dramas Are Realistic
Work Realities in the Field of Criminal Justice
Stress
Work-Life Balance
Danger
Chapter 2. Planning Your Next Step in Higher Education
What to Do While Working on Your Academic Degree
Two-Year Academic Institutions vs. 4-Year Academic Institutions
Two-Year Academic Institutions
Four-Year Academic Institutions
The Importance of Seeking Internships throughout Your Academic Career
Thinking About Advanced Test Preparation
Learning a Marketable Skill While You Pursue a Degree
Scholarly Research Experience
Building Positive Relationships with Faculty Members
Ten-Step Academic Success Plan
Getting Involved On Campus
Building Quality Writing Skills
Looking Toward Advanced Degree Programs
Final Thoughts on Higher Education Today
Requesting References and Letters of Recommendation
Common Mistakes to Avoid With References and Letters of Recommendation
Chapter 3. Intense Competition You Will Face
Talking to "Insiders"
Foot-in-the-Door Approach
Keeping Your Record Clean--Background Record/Clearance Discussion
A Special Note on Social Media
In-Demand Areas of Study
FBI Critical Language List
CIA Critical Language List
Microsoft Excel
IBM i2 Analyst Notebook
GIS (Geographic Information System)
Compstat
Biometrics
Computer Programming or "Coding"
A Note on Veterans' Preference
Geographical Flexibility
Not Getting the Job
Chapter 4. Cover Letters and Résumés
The Art of the Cover Letter
The Art of the Professional Résumé
Additional General Résumé Success Tips
The Importance of Using Key Words and Phrases in Résumés
General Application Tips
Finding Job Openings
Interview Preparation and Tips
In-Person Interviews
A Note on Phone Interviews
Common Interview Questions
Top Five Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Chapter 5. The Importance of Networking
The Significance of Networking
How to Effectively Network
Best Networking Methods
Building "Soft Skills"
"Hard Faults" to Avoid
Chapter 6. Physical Fitness Requirements and the Importance of Overall Health Working in the Field of
Criminal Justice
Mentally Approaching Physical Fitness Requirements
Actual Physical Fitness Requirements
Formulating a Training Schedule to Pass Physical Fitness Tests
The Cooper Institute Standards
Importance of Diet
Heart-Healthy Foods
Brain-Healthy Foods
Immune-Boosting Foods
Importance of Sleep
Importance of Social Relationships
Importance of Mental Health
Chapter 7. Preparing and Applying to Advanced Degree Programs
Biggest Misconceptions and Pitfalls about Advanced Degree Programs
Thoroughly Researching Advanced Degree Programs
Preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
Finding Out More about the GRE Subject Tests
Preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Geographic Connections and Advanced Degree Programs
Chapter 8. Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Justice Careers
Importance of Ethics
Professionalism in the Criminal Justice Field
The Media and Criminal Justice Careers
Social Media and Criminal Justice Careers
Email and Professionalism
Professional Dress and Appearance
Interpersonal Skills
Chapter 9. Working in Law Enforcement-Public and Private Sectors
Working in Local Law Enforcement
Police Officer
Deputy Sheriff
Detective (Local Law Enforcement)
Specific Divisions within a Local Law Enforcement Agency
Working in State Law Enforcement
State Trooper
State Bureaus of Investigation
Alcohol Enforcement Agent
Park Ranger--State Parks
Police Officer--State College or University
Fish and Game Warden (Also Called Conservation Officers in Many States)
Working in Federal Law Enforcement
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF or ATFE)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
United States Marshals Service (USMS)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
United States Secret Service (USSS)
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG)
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command--Army Criminal Investigations (CID) Civilian Special Agent
Air Force Special Investigations Officer
Other Criminal Investigation Series 1811 Positions
Working in Private Sector Law Enforcement Careers
Railroad Special Agent
Loss Prevention Officer (LPO)--Asset Protection Specialist
Corporate Investigator
Credit Card Fraud Investigator
Insurance Fraud Investigators
Executive Protection (EP) (Close Personal Protection)
Chapter 10. Working in the Court System
Attorney (Lawyer)
Judge
Magistrate
Court Clerk
Victim Witness Advocate
Paralegal
Chapter 11. Working in the Field of Corrections
Correctional Officer (CO)
Correctional Treatment Specialist/Corrections Counselor
Warden
Probation and Parole Officers
Chapter 12. Other Career Opportunities in the Field of Criminal Justice
Forensic Psychologist
Crime Scene Investigations
Forensic Scientist/Forensic Science Technician
Bond Agents and Bounty Hunters
Juvenile Justice Careers
Cybersecurity Analyst/Information Security Analyst
Private Investigators (PIs)
Crime Analyst
Academic Careers in Criminal Justice
Index