NCJ Number
176966
Date Published
1998
Length
242 pages
Annotation
This book informs students about the various employment possibilities in criminal justice (law enforcement, the courts, corrections, forensic science, and private security) as well as how to assess career information by using the latest technology.
Abstract
Chapter 1 describes why career planning and education are important, and Chapters 2 through 6 introduce a variety of occupations within the law enforcement, corrections, courts, forensic science, and private security fields. Chapter 7 provides input on criminal justice careers from some criminal justice professionals, so as to provide realistic, accurate descriptions of some of the careers within this field as viewed by those who actually perform the jobs. Chapter 8 urges students to "test the waters" by gaining relevant work experience in a particular field through volunteer activities. Chapter 9, a new addition to the text, provides another vehicle to obtain valuable work experience in the criminal justice field through cooperative educational programs (paid work experiences) that are available for qualified students. Chapter 10, another new addition to the text, covers test-taking, because of the importance of passing the necessary qualifying exams for various careers. Chapter 11 provides the information and tools necessary to perform an effective "job hunt." Chapter 12, deemed by the authors to be perhaps the most important new addition to the text, focuses on the use of computer technology to assist in the job search. The final chapter discusses graduate or law school as considerations in preparation for a chosen career in criminal justice. Students are encouraged to see the value of advanced educational training in preparation for entry-level job placement as well as advancement while employed. An extensive list of resources is provided, such as agency addresses and a bibliography of books, directories, and other references.