5 answers
1
Question
Asked
1752 views
Entry level jobs for criminal justice associates degree?
What path can I start with an associates degree in criminal justice? I’m having a hard time everything asks for bachelors or experience. I was initially looking at background screenings or records clerk.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kaiesha a criminal justice degree can lead to careers in law enforcement, security, law or social work. Obtaining an associate degree in criminal justice qualifies you to perform an array of jobs in the criminal justice system. An associate degree in criminal justice is a two-year undergraduate program that provides students with a foundational understanding of the criminal legal system. The program typically includes law enforcement, criminal law, criminology, ethics and corrections courses. Students also learn about the role of various criminal legal agencies, including police departments, courts, and correctional facilities.
Graduates of an associate degree program in criminal justice qualify for many entry-level positions, such as police officers, correctional officers or security guards. They may also pursue further education, such as a bachelor's degree, to advance their careers in law, criminology or law enforcement. An associate degree in criminal justice can also serve as a foundation for other related fields, such as law or social work.
🧬 CRIME SCENE TECHNICIAN
A crime scene technician, or crime scene investigator, works with law enforcement to gather, process and analyze evidence at a crime scene. They work closely with other investigators to collect, document and preserve physical evidence. They may take photos of the crime scene, oversee the transfer of evidence to a crime lab and analyze evidence using forensic science. Crime scene technicians may also compile reports or testify for criminal investigations.
📸 PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
A private investigator discovers information for an individual or organization regarding professional, legal or personal matters. They can collect evidence they may present in court, perform background checks, conduct surveillance on various parties and gather information through computer searches. Private investigators may also serve subpoenas, summons or other legal documents to people involved in a legal case.
⚖️ PARALEGAL
A paralegal assists lawyers at law firms, corporations and government agencies with basic legal tasks such as legal research, correspondence and trial preparation. They can conduct client interviews, write reports and legal documents, research cases, gather important documents and help attorneys during a trial. Some paralegals may also write, prepare, or notarize civil documents such as wills, mortgages or separation agreements.
🚨 POLICE OFFICER
A police officer is responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and protecting people and property within a designated jurisdiction. Police officers issue traffic citations, perform patrols, arrest people suspected of committing a crime and secure crime scenes. In larger police departments, officers may organize into units that specialize in particular crimes, such as fraud or drug trafficking.
🛡️ DETECTIVE
A detective performs criminal investigations and gathers evidence and clues to solve crimes. They collaborate with police detectives, medical science professionals, forensic psychologists and other team members to gain information about the time and circumstances of a crime. Their duties usually include following leads, interviewing suspects, examining crime scenes and evidence and making arrests.
Hope this will be helpful Kaiesha
If you’d like to learn more about the criminal justice field and explore taking the next steps towards a degree, you can get a head start with our online Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate. From juvenile justice to private security and criminal investigation, you’ll build foundational knowledge that could be valuable to furthering your education or taking the first step toward a new career.
Graduates of an associate degree program in criminal justice qualify for many entry-level positions, such as police officers, correctional officers or security guards. They may also pursue further education, such as a bachelor's degree, to advance their careers in law, criminology or law enforcement. An associate degree in criminal justice can also serve as a foundation for other related fields, such as law or social work.
🧬 CRIME SCENE TECHNICIAN
A crime scene technician, or crime scene investigator, works with law enforcement to gather, process and analyze evidence at a crime scene. They work closely with other investigators to collect, document and preserve physical evidence. They may take photos of the crime scene, oversee the transfer of evidence to a crime lab and analyze evidence using forensic science. Crime scene technicians may also compile reports or testify for criminal investigations.
📸 PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
A private investigator discovers information for an individual or organization regarding professional, legal or personal matters. They can collect evidence they may present in court, perform background checks, conduct surveillance on various parties and gather information through computer searches. Private investigators may also serve subpoenas, summons or other legal documents to people involved in a legal case.
⚖️ PARALEGAL
A paralegal assists lawyers at law firms, corporations and government agencies with basic legal tasks such as legal research, correspondence and trial preparation. They can conduct client interviews, write reports and legal documents, research cases, gather important documents and help attorneys during a trial. Some paralegals may also write, prepare, or notarize civil documents such as wills, mortgages or separation agreements.
🚨 POLICE OFFICER
A police officer is responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and protecting people and property within a designated jurisdiction. Police officers issue traffic citations, perform patrols, arrest people suspected of committing a crime and secure crime scenes. In larger police departments, officers may organize into units that specialize in particular crimes, such as fraud or drug trafficking.
🛡️ DETECTIVE
A detective performs criminal investigations and gathers evidence and clues to solve crimes. They collaborate with police detectives, medical science professionals, forensic psychologists and other team members to gain information about the time and circumstances of a crime. Their duties usually include following leads, interviewing suspects, examining crime scenes and evidence and making arrests.
Hope this will be helpful Kaiesha
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Kaiesha,
With an associate's degree in criminal justice, you are prepared for various entry-level positions. Maybe consider becoming a police dispatcher, where you can provide crucial assistance during emergencies, or a security officer, ensuring the safety of locations. Other options include working as a correctional officer in jails, a loss prevention specialist in retail, a records clerk, or a background screening specialist. Additionally, you could serve as a community service officer in a police department or assist probation officers. Gaining experience, obtaining certifications, and networking can help you advance toward your career goals. Hope this helps!
With an associate's degree in criminal justice, you are prepared for various entry-level positions. Maybe consider becoming a police dispatcher, where you can provide crucial assistance during emergencies, or a security officer, ensuring the safety of locations. Other options include working as a correctional officer in jails, a loss prevention specialist in retail, a records clerk, or a background screening specialist. Additionally, you could serve as a community service officer in a police department or assist probation officers. Gaining experience, obtaining certifications, and networking can help you advance toward your career goals. Hope this helps!
Thank you and what are some certifications I can look into ?
Kaiesha
Updated
Rhonda K.’s Answer
More and more agencies prefer a 4 year degree. My recommendation would be to contact places you would be interested in as a career. Offer to volunteer, request a ride-along with a police department, offer to assist a probation department with minor tasks. Did you intern during your Associates? Also, make professional contacts within the criminal justice system, attend court, observe trials, hearings, etc. Be confident and enthusiastic.
Thank you and not yet I have 2 months until graduation. I have been looking for internships as well.
Kaiesha
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Kaiesha: All the answers above are right on the mark. The path you choose going forward is up to you alone.
I am a lawyer who has practiced Civil Law for over 40 years. I also teach in a jail for inmates to get jobs when they get released. So I kinda have experience in both parts of your question.
You appear to be a bright kid. I also notice you are in Philadelphia. Tons of great lawyers there. What I would suggest you go to a criminal courtroom and sit there in watch. Just sit there. Take down names of the attorneys who impress you. Take down names of DAs who impress you. After a few days take your resume with you. Keep it in a briefcase so it's neat and not all wrinkled. After a few days either a court officer or clerk will ask you what you are doing there. Tell them you are looking for a job in the criminal justice system and wanted to see who was good at it and where you might fit in. You might even give a resume to the Judge.
After you see who is good and who is bad - approach them with your resume and tell them what you are trying to do. Most people will be flattered and may try to help.
One more thing. I teach at a Community College. I'd suggest going back to school to get your BA/BS. Great schools in Philly. (but your football team stinks!) Go part time. Most of us old lawyers respect that! Good luck!
I am a lawyer who has practiced Civil Law for over 40 years. I also teach in a jail for inmates to get jobs when they get released. So I kinda have experience in both parts of your question.
You appear to be a bright kid. I also notice you are in Philadelphia. Tons of great lawyers there. What I would suggest you go to a criminal courtroom and sit there in watch. Just sit there. Take down names of the attorneys who impress you. Take down names of DAs who impress you. After a few days take your resume with you. Keep it in a briefcase so it's neat and not all wrinkled. After a few days either a court officer or clerk will ask you what you are doing there. Tell them you are looking for a job in the criminal justice system and wanted to see who was good at it and where you might fit in. You might even give a resume to the Judge.
After you see who is good and who is bad - approach them with your resume and tell them what you are trying to do. Most people will be flattered and may try to help.
One more thing. I teach at a Community College. I'd suggest going back to school to get your BA/BS. Great schools in Philly. (but your football team stinks!) Go part time. Most of us old lawyers respect that! Good luck!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hands down, I'd say police dispatcher! You learn so much there about what's going on in the world, and, who to contact for various issues.
Plus, you'd then already be an employee of the city or county, and might have an advantage on applying for other positions within that entity.
you need to be willing to work shift work, and, I'd encourage the 2-10 pm or similar shift. That shift and the first few hours of midnight shift are busy and time flies by. But, on midnights, it does hit a slow period, say between 3 and 5 am where 2 hours feels like a full 8 hours.
Always keep your resume up-to-date. Keep copies of ALL e-mails, letters, awards, certificates - anything that talks about how helpful, polite, professional, calm under pressure, etc that you were in a situation. It's easier to prove that you are those things when you have those copies, rather than just claiming it without having any proof.
You are about to embark on a journey you have no idea where it is taking you. You can chart your own career, moving from one position to the next. The key is to identify the "transferrable job skills" you bring to the table, and be able to show how experience gained in dispatch relates to whatever next position you are applying for - paralegal, victim advocate, police officer, etc. (for example, when I retired from law enforcement, I became a career counselor. . . it's all in your ability to show the connection!) We are always here and available to help you in that regard. Once you start your professional career, we will still help you! (and, hopefully, you will be on here helping others as well!)
Best of luck to you!
Plus, you'd then already be an employee of the city or county, and might have an advantage on applying for other positions within that entity.
you need to be willing to work shift work, and, I'd encourage the 2-10 pm or similar shift. That shift and the first few hours of midnight shift are busy and time flies by. But, on midnights, it does hit a slow period, say between 3 and 5 am where 2 hours feels like a full 8 hours.
Always keep your resume up-to-date. Keep copies of ALL e-mails, letters, awards, certificates - anything that talks about how helpful, polite, professional, calm under pressure, etc that you were in a situation. It's easier to prove that you are those things when you have those copies, rather than just claiming it without having any proof.
You are about to embark on a journey you have no idea where it is taking you. You can chart your own career, moving from one position to the next. The key is to identify the "transferrable job skills" you bring to the table, and be able to show how experience gained in dispatch relates to whatever next position you are applying for - paralegal, victim advocate, police officer, etc. (for example, when I retired from law enforcement, I became a career counselor. . . it's all in your ability to show the connection!) We are always here and available to help you in that regard. Once you start your professional career, we will still help you! (and, hopefully, you will be on here helping others as well!)
Best of luck to you!