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You Want to Fight Crime? (Part II)


  • Extras - I always ask my students what extra things can they offer an employer that would help in their hiring. These could include such things as a private pilot's license, fluency in a second language, water rescue skills, computer programming, accounting skills, research proficiency, forensic lab skills, teaching skills, etc. The more a person has the better off they will be.

    • FACTS & FIGURES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS

    Correctional Officers -

    • Entry - Age 18 - 21 minimum, high school education or equivalent, no felony convictions, good health, be a U.S. citizen (for readers outside the US, check your local jails for requirements), must be physically fit, and some employers (Federal and some States) require drug testing, written exam and background check.

    • Earnings - According to a 1996 survey in Corrections Compendium, Federal and State correctional officers' annual salaries averaged about $26,100. The low of $17,300 occurred in South Carolina, while Rhode Island paid $41,700. The annual average salary for correctional officers employed by the Federal Government was $33,540 in 1997.

    • Outlook - The OOH says "job opportunities are expected to be plentiful due to much faster than average employment growth coupled with high turnover. Most jobs are in large regional jails or prisons located in rural areas."

    Police, Detectives and Special Agents -

    • Entry- Usually determined by Civil Service regulations. Must be 20 years of age, meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications, and be US citizens. Expect a competitive written exam, and weight given to education and experience. Physical exams often include tests of vision, hearing, strength and agility. You will likely be interviewed be senior officers, who will be interested in characteristics of honesty, judgment, integrity and responsibility. You may be required to complete a psychological exam.

      In most large police departments, where the majority of law enforcement positions are found, a high school diploma is required. Federal agencies usually require a BA. FBI Agents must either be a graduate of an accredited law school, be a college graduate with a major in accounting or fluency in a foreign language, or have 3 years of full-time related work experience. DEA Agents need a college degree with at least a 2.95 GPA, plus experience conducting criminal investigations or some graduate training. Most police departments offer further training.

    • Earnings - In 1996, the median salary of nonsupervisory police officers and detectives was about $34,700 per year. The middle 50% earned
      The copyright of the article You Want to Fight Crime? (Part II) in Career Planning is owned by Deborah Lapoint. Permission to republish You Want to Fight Crime? (Part II) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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