Different Paths
They protect the nation’s wildlife from such illegal activity as poaching and trapping and assist visitors at federal, state, and local parks. These highly trained officers keep a close watch on fish and wildlife, looking for changes, such as pollution, to their environment. They investigate criminal behavior related to fish and wildlife, write reports, make arrests, gather evidence, interview suspects and witnesses, and may be called to testify in court. They also assist other law enforcement groups when wildlife – such as cougars, bears, or coyotes – wander into residential areas. They may also help during search and rescue operations. They study at a training academy for approximately three to 12 months. Their federal counterparts must complete a 20-week training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Agency in Glynco, Georgia and in West Virginia.
What are Fish and Game Wardens?
Similar to parole officers, they work to rehabilitate and support offenders who were recently released from jail. Daily tasks include checking in on individuals in custody, on probation, or on parole; conducting interviews with those on probation; and issuing drug tests. They also interact with the friends and family of those on probation to ensure released offenders benefit from strong support systems. Average salary is $43,400.
What are Probation Officers?
They earn an average of $122,960 and must have a Master's or doctoral degree in law.
What is a lawyer?
They work with all players in a court of law: the jury, the judge, the public, and the defendants. They are generally employed by local, state, and federal courts. They must pass the Civil Service Exam and earn an average of $45,760. Some responsibilities include: announcing the judge’s entrance into court, assisting, in some instances, with transporting the defendants to and from court, delivering documents in the court, enforcing courtroom decorum and the judge’s directions, ensuring the judge has all the supplies he or she needs, escorting the jury out of the courtroom to ensure they do not have contact with anyone outside of the court, guarding the jury, in the courtroom and during sequestration, helping the judge as necessary, and interacting with defendants.
What are Bailiffs?
They supervise offenders who have been released from prison and put on parole. They work to ensure their parolees do not violate their terms of parole. They visit parolees to check in and connect them with career, education, and rehabilitation opportunities. Average salary is $42,570
What is a Parole Officer?
They earn an average of $77,000 and can work with the FBI, CIA, TSA, Secret Service, and Border Patrol. Individuals looking to work for them should complete internships.
What is Homeland Security?
They must be US citizens, between 21 and 36 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and be in excellent physical health. A bachelor’s degree is required for candidates who do not have qualifying experience. They must complete a rigorous 16-week training program including 36 days in New Mexico and an advanced 43-day training program in New Jersey. The initials of this occupation are A.M.
What is an Air Marshall?
This profession, including bailiffs and jailers, work for local, state, and federal governments to oversee arrested individuals and those serving jail time. They must hold a high school diploma and complete a training academy. Some work environments, such as federal prisons, require bachelor’s degrees related to criminal justice or counseling, plus multiple years of work experience. Average salary is $39,890.
What is a Corrections Officer?
They earn an average of $74,380 and must have experience as a police officer. They investigate deaths caused by criminal activity.
What is a Homicide Detective?
They help rehabilitate young offenders and generally work in a juvenile correctional facility, such as a detention center, where they supervise the offenders by enforcing discipline, making and maintaining records, and implementing constructive activity programs. They may also work in social service organizations. Prior to or during sentencing, they may make recommendations as to the appropriate destination for an offender based on their evaluations, such as detainment, care homes, or treatment programs. They also counsel juvenile offenders and their families and provide specialized courses, including addiction recovery and anger management.
What is a Youth Correctional Counselor?
They help individuals struggling with or recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. In many cases, their clients have committed crimes and must complete counseling by law. They work in various settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private practices. They must earn state licensure and obtain industry certification. Average salary is $39,410.
What are Substance Abuse Counselors?
They earn an average of $69,510 and examine individuals to determine thought processes and motivations. These professionals use their skills to conduct interviews with witnesses and criminals to help solve crimes and rehabilitate convicted criminals. They often testify in court to offer recommendations, including determining whether convicted criminals should move to mental health facilities. They must have a doctoral degree in psychology.
Entry-level agents typically must possess a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. At least one year of graduate study is also required unless you received Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) in your undergraduate degree. Possession of a master’s degree can waive the required experience required for the GL-9 level. Agents must be United States citizens who are at least 21 years of age and under 37 years of age. They must complete two training courses: a five-week Spanish language training program and the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program. These programs help candidates gain a basic understanding of Spanish and incorporate skills training in physical fitness, first aid, firearms, and law enforcement driving maneuvers. Agents must pass a total of seven written examinations and the Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA).
What are Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents?
They assist victims of crimes by providing emotional support and offering actionable ways to help them return to normal life. Because some victims experience deep trauma, they must demonstrate excellent communication, counseling, and problem-solving skills. They need some experience, usually completed through training, internships, or field work. They do not need a specific degree, but a degree in the field may help these professionals advance their careers. This position does not require licensure or certification. Average salary is $35,510.
What are Victim Advocates?
They earn an average of $67,170 and work to solve crimes, sometimes spending weeks or months on the same case. These professionals work closely with other law enforcement professionals to collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and make arrests. They may spend their days responding to emergencies, analyzing crime scenes, collecting evidence, determining people of interest, obtaining various warrants, interviewing witnesses, making arrests, or testifying in court. (Not a police officer)
What is a Criminal Investigator?