Criminal Justice Schools in Rhode Island | RI

Rhode Island State Criminal Justice Degrees

Although Rhode Island’s crime rate was rated as the 18th lowest in the country, according to CQ Press‘ 2010 State Crime Rankings, it had become more dangerous, gaining nine places in terms of amount of crime. Is this why in September 2011, Rhode Island received $3.44 million in federal funding to be used for crime prevention? Perhaps…In any case it was announced the financial support was to be spent on several facets including domestic violence, forensic science, drug abuse among teens and technological equipment for law enforcement and community agencies.

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Criminal justice schools in Rhode Island offer a myriad of programs to help you start a career in this state focused on reducing, investigating and preventing crime. Notice how you have the option between online and campus institutions so you can select an educational path compatible with your current lifestyle.

If you are interested in becoming a police officer or sheriff’s deputy, it is a good idea to complete a criminal justice degree in Rhode Island majoring in law enforcement so you will stand out from the pool of applicants wishing to enter the training academy. Other possible programs include forensic science, paralegal, information security, computer forensics, corrections and law degrees. Criminal justice schools in Rhode Island offer a myriad of programs for a variety of career goals and interests.

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Rhode Island Criminal Justice Career Outlook

Out of the 50 states, Rhode Island has the second highest concentration of first-line supervisors of police and detectives, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After working several years on the force and completing additional education at one of the criminal justice schools in Rhode Island, you too could be promoted to this rank that earns an average annual income between $70,000 and $73,000. Projections Central predicts approximately 20 new openings for police and detective supervisors a year.

Although not all growth percentages have been calculated for criminal justice careers in Rhode Island by Projections Central, the data that does exist shows a positive outlook for several professions. For example:

  • Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers – 60 openings/year
  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants – 40 openings/year
  • Lawyers – 80 openings/year
  • Security Guards – 60 openings/year

According to Career One Stop, some of Rhode Island’s fastest-growing occupations are computer software engineers, computer systems analysts and network and computer systems administrators with projected growths of 42%, 27% and 23% through to 2018, respectively. For each of these professions, an expertise in security is increasingly on the demand. You could complete a criminal justice degree in Rhode Island, majoring in computer forensics, cyber security or information security to enter these growing fields.

Top Criminal Justice Employers & Agencies

In Rhode Island, there are over 40 law enforcement agencies with over 2,000 police and sheriff’s patrol officers. If you would like to become a sworn officer, complete a law enforcement or similar degree at one of the criminal justice schools in Rhode Island. Most law enforcement agencies prefer entry-level officers to have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree.

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If you are intrigued by the science involved with criminal investigations, you should know about the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory (RISCL). Its staff performs many services including the examination of firearm, trace and print evidence. If you would like to become a criminalist, the title held by many of the RISCL’s staff, complete a criminal justice degree in Rhode Island majoring in criminalistics, forensic science or another related discipline.

If you prefer a career in corrections, consider completing a criminal justice, corrections, juvenile probation, law enforcement, social work or another relevant degree online or on campus. The State of Rhode Island Department of Corrections offers internships to students pursuing post secondary education. You would have the chance to experience roles such as that of a probation or parole officer, substance abuse counselor, corrections officer or researcher. An internship would also allow you to make connections and gain on-the-job training to help guarantee employment after graduation.

Rhode Island Criminal Justice & Legal Job Outlook & Rhode Island Criminal Justice Salary

CareerEmployment Growth through 2018Current Average Salary
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers1%$50,000 – 55,000
Detectives and Criminal Investigators10%$70,000 – 73,000
First-line Supervisors of Police and Detectiveswill remain roughly the same$70,000 – 73,000
Paralegals and Legal Assistants22%$48,000 – 52,000
Lawyers9%$110,000 – 120,000
Security Guards9%$25,000 – 29,000

Sources: Growth Projections projectionscentral.com ~ Salary Range bls.gov

Rhode Island Crime Rate

In 2010, Rhode Island’s crime rate was approximately 13% lower than the rest of the country, states the National Institute of Corrections. Its property crime rate was found to be 10% lower and its violent crime rate 30% lower than the national average.

For that same year, the FBI reported approximately 2,556 property crimes and 256 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

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Rhode Island’s Correctional System Stats

FacilityNumber of Facilities & OfficesNumber of Inmates
Combined Prison-Jail System83,161
Probation & Parole1126,509

Source: www.nicic.gov

Degrees by State