Careers in Law Enforcement Beyond Policing: Paths for Criminal Justice and Criminology Graduates

After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in Canada, many of my fellow graduates found themselves in policing. However, there are numerous other career paths one can explore within law enforcement and related fields. This article delves into some of these diverse opportunities, highlighting the varied roles and the qualifications required to pursue them.

Alternative Careers in Law Enforcement

While a significant portion of graduates enter the policing field, there are other avenues for career growth and satisfaction within law enforcement and related sectors. Some of the alternative career paths include:

Lawyer with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree: Graduates might choose to pursue further legal education, becoming lawyers and representing clients in criminal cases or working for governmental agencies. Forensic Specialists with a Science Degree: These individuals specialize in criminal investigations, often working with evidence in crime scenes, including DNA analysis, ballistics, and other scientific methods. Police Technology Specialist with a Computer Science Degree: With advancements in technology, police departments increasingly require specialists who can manage and utilize digital systems for surveillance, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Public Safety / Emergency Management professionals: These roles often involve desk work, including coordination and management of emergency response systems and policy development. Other Uniformed Law Enforcement: This category includes various specialized police roles such as fish and game wardens, railroad or transit police, court officers, bailiffs, jail guards, corrections officers, customs, and immigration officers. Corporate and Insurance Investigators: Professionals specializing in fraud, securities, tax investigations, and other areas related to corporate and insurance fraud. Academic Positions: Criminal justice and criminology graduates can work as Government policy advisors, social researchers, or professors, contributing to the academic and applied knowledge in the field. Intelligence Analysts and Special Agents: These positions, such as those offered by the FBI, often require specialized training and can provide opportunities for those with diverse backgrounds in criminal justice and criminology.

Real-life Example: FBI Recruitment

I had the opportunity to assist a young woman seeking a job as she had exhausted all her job search avenues. She held a degree in both criminology and criminal justice. Through a connection with a long-time friend at the FBI, she was eventually referred to the local FBI office. After an interview, she began her training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and later relocated to San Diego. She loved her job and even offered me a monetary reward for recruiting her, to which I declined. She explained that her long-time friend had spoken to her about me, and they discussed my methods. Later, she called me and suggested that I had opened the door, and it was her decision to step in.

Note: Criminology, while valuable, may not be directly applicable to most day-to-day police work but is crucial for support roles requiring a deeper understanding of criminal behavior and justice system processes.

Conclusion

Graduates with a degree in criminal justice and criminology have a wide range of career options beyond policing. These roles not only offer different challenges and environments but also allow for career progression and specialization. From legal careers to scientific and technical roles, there is a place for every aspiring professional in this field.