Have you spent the past few years bouncing around from job to job, hoping that you would one day stumble upon the one of your dreams? Do you like a fast-paced, ever-changing environment? If so, a career in criminal justice just may be the thing you’re looking for!

Law enforcement jobs are so rewarding and well respected these days. Finding a career in the Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement area can be a cinch with a degree or certificate in the field. Check out just some of the options available:

Detectives

If you deal with juggling many stressful tasks at once and do not shy away from intense situations, a career in detective work is for you! These are plainclothes investigators who gather facts in preparation of criminal cases. They also compile evidence to build a case. Detectives conduct interviews, study suspect activities and participate in both raids and arrests. After some training and experience, you would go on to declare a specialty field such as homicide or fraud. Cases are assigned to you on a rotating basis. As a detective, you could expect t be paid around $58,260 annually. However, many people make much more than this with a little time and experience under their belts.

Police Officers

Now you might be a little put off because you just flashed back to a time you were pulled over for speeding. However, police offers are responsible for so much more than stopping you and traffic and issuing tickets. They participate in duties such as patrolling and responding to 911 and service calls. Some officers direct traffic at the scene of an accident, investigate burglaries and must be able to give first aid to accident victims. Others work as investigators, perform court-related duties, or carry out administrative or other assignments. In this profession, you could easily make $47,460. As a police officer, you are usually scheduled to work 40-hour weeks, but paid overtime is very common.

Forensic Technologists

If you are a CSI fan, this could very well be your dream job! Forensic technologists help criminal investigators by gathering, classifying and analyzing physical evidence found at crime scenes. They generally specialize in DNA and firearm evidence. Main tasks for forensic science technologists include running DNA tests on tissues, fibers, hair, skin, blood and other body fluids. They also perform ballistic and other weapon analysis. Other responsibilities involve writing up reports and giving expert opinions to the investigators based on the evidence they find. To secure a job as a forensic technologist, most employers prefer that you have at least an associate’s degree in a related field of science. Jobs in this field pay an average of $21.79 per hour, but you could make much more depending on location and employer.

Private Detectives and Investigators

These professionals may provide executive, corporate and celebrity protection and individual background profiles. Private detectives and investigators help individuals, businesses, and lawyers by finding and analyzing uncovered matters of legal, political, or personal concern. These criminal justice officers investigate numerous fields such as identity theft and fraud to missing persons and infidelity cases. The bulk of the work is often done at the computer, but may also include making phone calls or visits to a subject’s workplace. There are no formal education requirements for most jobs in this field. However, it is highly encouraged (and adds to you credibility) if you have an associates or bachelors degree in criminal justice or political science. The median salary in 2006 was reported at $33,750, but you could easily earn upwards of $64,380 depending on your employer and geographic location.

Whichever career you choose in the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement field, it is sure to hold your attention and never bore! Check out Top Colleges today for all of the latest information on these careers!