Why Should You Study Criminal Justice or Criminal Behavior?
Ideally, society functions on the agreement that all citizens will abide by the laws of the land. The criminal justice system serves as a framework for law and order, and citizens can participate in the system for a number of reasons. Some people violate laws, others are witnesses to a crime, or are a party to legal proceedings that require intervention from the criminal justice system. Whatever the circumstances, the ultimate goal within criminal justice is to ensure public safety, uphold the law and ensure that the rights of both victims and offenders are protected within the system. There are many compelling reasons to study criminal justice, and this sector offers many opportunities to contribute to making society safer and better.
What Is Criminal Justice?
Though the particulars can vary from state to state, generally speaking, the field of criminal justice is diverse and covers many different types of careers, including law enforcement, the court system, correctional facilities, and parole and probation. A career in criminal justice also can include working with juvenile offenders, helping to support victims, rehabilitating offenders and monitoring the legal system to make sure individual rights are protected.
Why should I study Criminal Justice?
1. There are a variety of careers within the Criminal Justice field
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to study criminal justice is simply how broad the field is. By understanding criminal behavior, there’s opportunity to not just work within law enforcement, but also the court system, social work, psychology and much more. Earning this degree can open many doors in a variety of professions, while also providing a good deal of personal growth and skill building along the way.
2. Criminal justice majors learn a wide array of skills
Other reasons to study criminal justice are the opportunity to build and sharpen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. It is highly important that people working to understand criminal behavior possess the ability to rationalize and use reason to help others. Mastering the following is incredibly valuable for a career in criminal justice:
- Analytical skills
- Practical skills
- Critical thinking
- Aspects of crime & criminal behavior
- Criminological theories
- Crime prevention techniques
3. Criminal justice majors make the world a safer place
Someone looking for reasons to study criminal justice should consider that by participating in the system, there’s an opportunity to make it better for everyone on both sides. Given human nature, crime cannot be entirely erased, but it may be possible to prevent and reduce crime and make communities safer. In the professional world, criminal justice majors can have a positive impact on society by working to ensure justice is served and upholding the laws designed to ensure people’s safety and wellbeing.
4. Comfortable level of job security & pay
Regardless of economic changes, there will always be a need for law enforcement, the courts and correctional facilities, and because of this, the demand for professionals within criminal justice is steadily growing. Of the many reasons to study criminal justice, this is a field that offers reliably steady job security and good pay, depending on the specific job, location and level of jurisdiction.
5. Retirement & health benefits
While retirement and health insurance benefits vary depending on the location and type of employment, broadly speaking criminal justice provides a level of financial stability and benefits that make this a profession worth considering. Of the many reasons to study criminal justice, the ability to retire with a pension is very appealing to many. Some agencies also provide retirement savings and health benefits for employees who have put away their uniform.
Where do Criminal Justice majors work?
An officer patrolling the streets or a judge sitting behind the bench may be the most common ideas of the criminal justice system, but this profession actually ranges much wider than that. One of the more popular reasons to study criminal justice is the wide variety of settings this degree can take you — from corporate offices to communities, criminal justice has a place in all corners of society.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement can include police officers, detectives and investigators working on a local, state, federal and even international level. This branch of criminal justice could be considered the first line of defense in ensuring communities are safe. In addition to attempting to catch criminals and solve crimes, members of law enforcement also perform more ordinary duties like issuing traffic tickets, responding to non-emergency calls and participating in court proceedings.
Court & Justice System
The court and justice systems are designed to settle disputes and apply the law fairly. While a law degree is necessary to become a lawyer or judge, a reason to study criminal justice is it’s possible to build a career in the courts with this degree. Working as a bailiff, court reporter or clerk are all examples of how a degree in criminal justice can lead to a fulfilling career in the justice system.
Corrections
The chance to work with offenders and help to rehabilitate them is another reason to study criminal justice. With a deep understanding of criminal behavior, it’s possible to make an impact working within local, state and federal correctional facilities. Working as a corrections officer, counselor or social worker can provide integrity and fulfillment, knowing that there’s an opportunity to positively impact an inmate’s life while also ensuring that communities are protected from escapees.
Careers in Law Enforcement
Understanding criminal behavior presents lots of opportunities to forge a rewarding and wide-ranging career path that leads to stability, a sense of honor and a place of respect within the community — all excellent reasons to study criminal justice.
Police Officer
Working within a local, state or federal department, police officers conduct regular patrols and respond to emergency calls and non-emergency issues. They may also work within specialized units for specific crimes and also work across the judicial and correctional systems.
Private Investigator
Private investigators, or detectives, are usually not part of a police department, but may collaborate with one. This job is all about gathering information and using a variety of tools at their disposal to bring their case to a close — whether it’s related to a violent crime, financial dispute, or a personal issue.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists get to the root of criminal behavior by analyzing the emotional, psychological and social disorders an offender may have. These psychologists work closely with many different parties within the criminal justice system, from officers and lawyers to victim advocates and judges.
Crime Scene Analyst
This job gets up close to criminal behavior by collecting and evaluating the evidence found at a crime scene. Crime scene analysts can also put their skills to the test in the courtroom, as they’re often called upon to provide expert testimony.
Transit Police
Transit police apply the same tactics as typical law enforcement officers, expect their scope is limited to transit lines. They ensure that passengers are safe while waiting for and aboard buses and trains, and are the first line of defense in the case of a serious emergency.
Financial Crimes / Fraud Investigator
Financial investigators are able to sniff out illegal activity in the event of white-collar crimes. They examine bookkeeping, tax and accounting details to see where suspected fraud has occurred, and work alongside state and federal law enforcement and courts to bring criminals to justice.
Game Warden
Fish and game wardens spend their time in the great outdoors while investigating any violations of local and federal wildlife protections. They may also investigate crimes or accidents that happen on the lands and waterways under their supervision, and can also issue hunting permits and licenses. At the federal level, game wardens — usually referred to as Federal Wildlife Officials — work with local jurisdictions to protect people, wildlife and habitats, and uphold conservation efforts.
Conclusion: How do I know if a Criminal Justice degree is right for me?
There are many exciting and diverse reasons to study criminal justice, a field that offers lots of opportunities to find specialization and even expansion into new industries. With a nationwide shortage in the field, pursuing a degree in criminal justice can provide numerous career opportunities and address the critical staffing needs in law enforcement. If you are someone with a passion for helping people while leading society forward, consider pursuing a career in criminal justice. The best place to begin your professional journey is Tiffin University. Here, students are provided with flexible, affordable pathways to earning a degree that leads to a successful, meaningful career in criminal justice.