Did you know? Approximately 34.5% of individuals working in the criminal justice field hold a bachelor’s degree, and 61% have at least an associate degree. This highlights the increasing importance of formal education for career advancement.(Source).
New career options and branching paths within the criminal justice system have become available as a result. Much like how space law and family law are quite different, criminal justice has many unique fields.
The increased reliance on technology in each of these fields has altered their respective career paths. Because of this, it’s more exciting than ever to work in the criminal justice system.
That’s why in this blog post w are going to examine the criminal justice system’s future and highlight some of the most fascinating career options for the future alumni of this domain.
Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the new opportunities that are emerging within criminal justice
- Looking at the titles of digital forensic analysts and cyber investigators
- Exploring the crucial roles of correction technology specialists and forensic science technologists
- Discovering the future outlook of all these domains
New Paths Constantly Open Within Criminal Justice
The criminal justice system relies on many driven and talented people working toward the same goals. While these goals remain the same, many new career paths have opened up in the last several years. Some of these roles are new, whereas others are modernized evolutions of existing roles, and they include:
1. Digital Forensics Analyst
Today, cybercriminals account for over $10 billion in financial losses, and the problem shows no signs of stopping. Due to the nature of their crimes, the criminal justice system relies on people who specialize in digital analytics. Digital forensics analysts can help with that, and their work is becoming more and more significant every day.
Digital forensics analysts examine digital evidence, such as cloud data and emails, related to cybercrimes. They must also dig through concealed, deleted, and hidden data, which is the hardest part of their job. This is one of the most interesting criminal justice careers, as it provides individuals with the opportunity to combat a growing problem.
The evidence that digital forensic analysts examine can help bring cybercriminals to justice. They often work closely with investigators and even testify in court.
Interesting Facts
Professionals who can utilize AI algorithms and data analytics for crime pattern analysis, predictive policing, and risk assessment are in increasing demand.
2. Cybercrime Investigator
While digital forensics analysts collect evidence, cybercrime investigators use the evidence to craft cases. They collaborate with digital forensics analysts and try to reconstruct the events surrounding cybercrimes. A cybercrime investigator’s job is to solve such crimes and, in some cases, recover lost and stolen data.
A strong combination of technical expertise and critical thinking abilities are needed for this position. Like any other investigator, cybercrime investigators need to focus on the details and draw conclusions from them. It’s a collaborative effort, so communication skills are also needed in cybercrime investigations.
As cybercriminals become more creative, investigators must adapt to the times. This involves staying current with the latest cyber threats and learning new skills. Without cybercrime investigators, countless criminals would get away with their crimes.
3. Corrections Technology Specialist
The United States has a widespread corrections system, which houses nearly 2 million people. Jails and prisons rely on robust databases and networks to track and care for inmates. This involves building and maintaining a reliable IT infrastructure to maximize efficiency.
This is just as much about protecting inmates and correctional officers as it is about staying organized. Before everything was digitized, correctional officers and management relied on paperwork. This made processing, screening, and placing inmates take much longer than needed.
Correction technology specialists also ensure the locking mechanisms and security systems are connected to a strong framework. They can monitor these systems at all times and address problems as needed. Correctional facilities are essential to the criminal justice system, and protecting inmates and officers is important.
4. Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians collect and process evidence, which will eventually bring criminals to justice. This includes DNA, fingerprints, hair, and saliva, among other evidence. By collecting this evidence, forensic science technicians help place criminals at the scene of the crime.
To work as a forensic science technician, you must, of course, have at least a bachelor’s degree in the field. Forensic science technicians need to have a balanced set of hard and soft skills. You need to be well-versed in forensic science and the significance of DNA evidence, for instance.
However, that’s not enough, as you must also pay attention to detail and possess strong communication skills. Upon meeting the requirements, you can enjoy a long career as a forensic science technician. The job security is comforting, and you can always transfer to other districts as needed.
5. Real-Time Crime Center Director
Law enforcement professionals must constantly receive and process new information. Technology has made this easier than ever, and Real-Time Crime Center Directors know this better than anyone. They utilize calls, camera feeds, 911 calls, social media, and more to keep law enforcement informed.
By using so many information streams, they can help law enforcement officers use every bit of information at their disposal. Crime centers have naturally gotten much more advanced over time. Now, law enforcement can even use gunshot detection systems and data from local devices in real-time.
Real-time crime center directors oversee this process, aiding in emergencies and protecting the public. This is essential during police chases and active shooter events. You need an even mix of criminal justice and IT skills to become a real-time crime center director.
Your Future in Criminal Justice Holds Many Opportunities
Previously, you didn’t have too many options if you wanted to work in the criminal justice system. Today, you can enjoy a long, rewarding career in many unique facets of criminal justice. The common denominator is that you must have lots of empathy and care about protecting the public.
As long as you meet those requirements and are willing to do the work, you can easily pursue a career in criminal justice. Technology has opened the door to new jobs, like cybercrime investigator and digital forensics analyst. These are great options for students pursuing criminal justice careers who have a strong understanding of IT.
You can change your community by pursuing a career in forensic science or cybercrime investigation.
Ans: Technology enhancements and welfare developments are the top trends for this industry right now.
Ans: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community.
Ans: Competence, Confidentiality, Consent, Confirmation, Conflicts, Candor, and Compliance.
