Career Opportunities in the US Criminal Justice System - Research Paper Example

Assignment The criminal justice system is a structure that is a part of the government in the United States of America and students opting for a career path along this line can be assured a very successful and rewarding future. Nor is it an easy feat to take care of and understand the rampant rates of criminal activities in the country and neither is it to dedicate oneself to bring justice, however, discipline and an ensured education can help any individual achieve the same. It is very important to give back to society; what is the better way for this than to become a part of the law enforcement system and help the country become a better place? A career in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives department would enable an individual to conduct investigations into criminal activities as well as ensure safety and regulations in the industry of firearms and explosives which are so commonly used by even the common man today. The department is a very vital organ of the anti-terrorist regime of the government and, therefore, ensures that the country is a safe place by regulating and controlling the supple of firearms. Moreover, the department also controls the supply of alcohol and tobacco, and it has assisted in implementing the legal provisions relating to these harmful substances in the country for the people. (“ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives”) In order to become a part of this department and the criminal justice system, an individual must be highly self motivated as well as have a sense of pride and loyalty for the nation. Moreover, the individual must have a very sound sense of judgment in order to ensure what is right and what is wrong in society in order to take steps to provide a better environment to the citizens of the country with regard to criminal activities. The main aim of this department is to regulate the sale of tobacco, alcohol, as well as minimize the use of firearms and explosives and ensure that the use of all these products is done in a civil manner, and not in a manner that would make one individual infringe upon the rights and the safety of another human being. Trained individuals in this department may be investigators, special agents, or professional and technical analysts in terms of specifications. The United States Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement department in the country which offers protection to officers of court as well as the judiciary of the country. Many US Marshals are also involved with security of court by assisting in transportation of fugitives and criminals as well as serving arrest warrants to citizens. There are a number of qualifications one must have in order to qualify as a Marshal and the most demanding of them all includes a very physically fit body because of the rigorous training as well as lifestyle that they would have to lead once recruited. (“U.S. Marshals Service, Career Opportunities, Duties”) Both men and women may be appointed for the jobs, however, they need to undergo various medical as well as physical requirements prior to their commitment. Individuals must have an excellent working knowledge of the law as well as have sound judgment because they may be working with court officers or members of the judiciary or as JPATS and, thus, need to have sharp observational skills to understand the situations that prevail around them. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York offers courses that are apt for this career line; in the US, this is the only college that offers the students an academic pursuit in liberal arts while focusing on forensic studies and is very unique in the education that it offers. It is excellent for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and also awards doctoral degrees in a wide range of subjects including International Criminal Justice, as well as certificate programs. It is the only school in the US that offers undergraduate students courses in criminalistics, toxicology and molecular biology. Seeking admission in this school would help to provide an individual a very holistic experience in the field of criminal sciences and also give an idea of a career in the department of alcohol, firearms and explosives, and tobacco. (“CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice”) The University at Albany has a department that deals with criminal justice programs that is excellent for those wanting to pursue a career in criminal justice or opting to become a part of the US Marshals Service Program because it provides basic courses and education in subjects relating to criminology like law, international criminal justice systems, understanding social and personal forces that control criminal systems etc. There are both graduate as well as undergraduate programs that provide a wholesome outlook towards the structure of government in the US and the various departments involved with working in the criminal justice aspects. It is not easy to become a part of such a system because an individual needs a high level of confidence, motivation quotient and should agree to be available at the disposal of the nation whenever he is needed. An individual must inculcate within himself excellent interpersonal skills as well as discipline which are taught in subjects offered at this school. (“School of Criminal Justice”) Both schools are very good for those wanting to opt for a career in the criminal justice system field because they offer very good experiences and have also had notable alumni like Jeremy Travis and Jennings Burch who are examples of individuals at the receiving end of excellent and articulate education. What is also another great factor about the two schools is that they offer courses in liberal arts, for example, subjects like sociology which are important to understand the environment one lives in and the problems persisting within the same. A great amount of emphasis is also placed on the interactions of various agencies and departments of the crime scene in the country and how they interconnect with one another, enabling students to understand not just one but many fields of interest. These subjects coupled with studying criminology and law help a student to gain a proper insight into career paths associated with the criminal justice system, as the two talked about above. Works Cited "ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives." ATF Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. . "CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice." US News & World Report. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. . "U.S. Marshals Service, Career Opportunities, Duties." U.S. Marshals Service, Career Opportunities, Duties. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. . "School of Criminal Justice." - University at Albany-SUNY. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. . Read More