Criminal justice careers typically fall into one of two categories: law enforcement or legal. But contrary to what many may know about the career opportunities in criminal justice, it is more than just becoming a cop or a lawyer. In Exploring and Understanding Careers and Opportunities in Criminal Justice, Matthew J. Sheridan and Raymond R. Rainville provide a practical, comprehensive guide that easily explains the extensive operations and the scope of employment possibilities and opportunities in the criminal justice profession. They cover many criminal justice functions and career paths that are seldom discussed when preparing for a career in criminal justice. Rainville and Sheridan focus on how to obtain employment in a career field that fits personal strengths and aspirations and emphasize the value of internships and service learning as tools to obtain the desired position. A career in criminal justice is a process of many potential outcomes. The career professional who plans, continues personal development, and prepares their career path will discover many potential rewards that include satisfaction during and after their career. The field of criminal justice will continue to expand and grow. Legislative mandates will promote new policies and employment opportunities to keep pace with changes and improvements in criminal justice practices to meet needs that enable the career professional to protect and serve. As the title suggests, anyone interested in exploring and understanding the field of criminal justice and the opportunities it can provide needs to read this book. Sheridan and Rainville make it known that there are more options in the field of criminal justice than you thought, and that the process for obtaining employment and developing the career path you desire most can be done!
Acknowledgements Preface Chapter One - Introduction: Why Another Book on Criminal Justice Careers Chapter Two - Exploring careers in Criminal Justice Chapter Three - Careers in Law Enforcement Chapter Four - Careers in Corrections Chapter Five - The Courts, its Actors and its Functions Chapter Six - The Federal Government Chapter Seven - Getting the Job, Entering the Field and Advancement Chapter Eight - Criminal Justice Ethics Chapter Nine - Life After the Career or "I Can't live on That!" List of Appendices 1.Directory of Profiles in Criminal Justice 2.Interest, Inquiry and Cover Letters 3.A Guide to Interview Questions 4.Sample Resume and CV 5.Eleven Important Steps to Prepare for the Career Fair 6.The Benefits and Downsides of On-line Learning 7.Document Portfolio Checklist 8.Civil Service Examinations (includes Prep Manuals) 9.U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies and Websites 10.Important Websites 11.Criminal Justice Jobs and Job definitions 12.Private and Non-Profit Agencies and Professional Organizations 13.Vermont Police Academy Basic Training & Physical Fitness Training 14.Paying for college 15.Criminal Justice and Trade Publications 16.Codes of Ethics Subjects Index Names Index Bibliography and Recommended Readings
