CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
Westwood College

Career Option Overview Information
Law enforcement
Policing is the career position in law enforcement that I will like to achieve. Police duties are to pursue and apprehend individuals, issue citations or give warnings, maintain order and records of crimes, patrols and respond to calls for service, direct traffic at the scene of an accident and give first aid to an accident victim. (Bls.2020-11 Edition)
The daily work of the police varies with the local, state, or federal agency that they may be working with. Regardless of their job duties or location, all police officers are to write reports and maintain records that will be needed if they have to testify in court. Every officer has a specific jurisdiction and enforcement responsibilities. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “police officers work with special units, such as horseback, bicycle, motorcycle, or harbor patrol; canine corps special weapons and tactics (SWAT).” (2010-11 Edition).
The educational requirements of this position, range from a high school diploma to a collage degree or higher. The candidate must also be U.S citizen, and usually at least 21 years or older. This is an entry-level position that can be applied for while in school with some agencies. There is also an additional training required in the police academy which is often for a period of 12 to 14 weeks after graduation. According to discover policing, a website of policing, the hiring process requires, “a prescreen questionnaire, written exam, video exam, physical fitness/ability test, background investigation which includes: employment history, character references, academic records, residency history, criminal history, and credit history., drug test, psychological test, polygraph and medical exam.” (2008-2010). As police work is by state or local, the likelihood of relocation is minimal.
Career Option Reflection
Naturally the police work can be dangerous and stressful; I desire this career because it is a noble profession and a rewarding career. I had always wish and looking for a career more than just a job to really make a difference in my community and have a rich history, as well as a bright future. The working conditions are very favorable and offer good benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, as of May 2008, reviews that the average annual wage for police patrol officers was $52,810 and this is something I am looking forward to start with after my degree.
Career Option Overview Information
Courts
The bailiff is the position in the professional courtroom that I desire to get employed in after school. The bailiff is an armed law enforcement officer in the courtroom who is also called a court officer. According to frank (10th edition),” the job of the bailiff is to ensure order in the courtroom, to announce the judge’s entry into the courtroom, to call witnesses, and to prevent the escape of the accused (if the accused has not been released on bond).” (pg.335)
A graduate degree is required for this position and an experience in either law enforcement or military is a plus for this position. It is not an entry-level position that can be applied for while in school and also cannot be applied for immediately after graduation with a criminal justice degree, because some states requires a record of previous job stability, usually accomplished through 2 years of work experience, which is not necessary related to courts or law enforcements. An additional academic training is required to be completed after graduation. (Bls. 2010-11 edition).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hiring criteria for this position are, “to be in good health, meet formal standards of physical fitness, eyesight, and hearing. Background checks, screened test for drug abuse, psychological evaluation, and oral and written examination.”(Bls.2010-11 edition). Possibility of transfer to a different place and job related positions like court marshal is very real.
Career Option Reflection
I am very pleased to choose this career position because of the nature of this job and how they pose themselves at court. The work is not very stressful and hazardous and as most jobs are in the state and local government courts. The job also has opportunities and is expected to be favorable and the earnings are very satisfactory.
Career Option Overview Information
Corrections
Correctional officers in general are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are waiting for trial or individuals who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a jail. (Bls. 2010 – 11 edition).
Correctional officers can also be known as detention officers whose normal duties are to work in jails, maintain security and inmate accountability to prevent them from escaping or assaulting. These officers normally have no law enforcement responsibilities outside the jail on their place of assigned work. Correctional officers also report orally and in writing on the conduct and quantity of work done by the inmates. (Frank, 10th edition)
A correctional officer requires at least a bachelor’s degree and is not an entry-level position that can be applied for while in school. It is also not a position that can be applied for immediately after graduation with a criminal justice degree because, 3 years of full-time experience in a field providing counseling, assistance, or supervision to individuals are required. Additional academy training is required, after which the officer will be assigned to a facility where he/she lean most of what they need to know for their work through on-the-job training. The hiring process requires a standard of physical fitness, eyesight, and hearing. “Some jurisdictions use standard tests to determine a suitable correctional environment. Applicants are also screened for drug abuse, subject to a background checks and required to pass a written examination.” (bls. 2010 – 11 edition)
Career Option Reflection I like this career position because as an officer in the house of prison, you will know the security and custodial requirements of the prisoners or inmates with whom you are dealing with and this will tend to be a safer place of work. Also correctional officers usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week, on rotating shifts which is very conducive to what I am looking for in my career. According to Bureau of Labor statistics, “median annual wages of correctional officers were $38,380 in May 2008.” (2010-11 edition)
With this knowledge about this career in mind, I am confident that I will achieve my goal after my degree in criminal justice.

Reference
Retrieved on 12th February, 2010. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Hand. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm#nature Retrieved on 16th February, 2010. Discover Policing http://discoverpolicing.org/why_policing/?fa=financial_stability Criminal Justice Today. (2009). Frank Schmalleger, PH.D.
An Introduction text for the 21st Century. 10th Edition.