Criminal Justice Training
The type of training you receive will depend on what aspect of the wide field of criminal justice that you choose to pursue. The term “criminal justice” has a wide set of meanings depending upon the context it is used. There are jobs that are primarily concerned with deterring and preventing crimes, punishing crimes, clarifying and enacting laws, or studying various mechanisms of criminal and societal behaviors that contribute to unrest or potentially dangerous situations. There is national security, internatinonal crime rings, money laundering, and a whole host of criminal activities that occur at the the national and international level. Where you choose to gain entry into the wide field of criminal justice will set the stage for the type of training you will receive.
Sponsored School(s)
Below, we have provided an overview of the main segments of concentrations offered at criminal justice schools. Explore the resources on this site to learn more about each segment within the criminal justice system as well as the job education and training requirements.
When one thinks of law enforcement, the first thing that comes to mind is the police patrol officer, which is the most visible aspect of the law enforcement system to our everyday lives. However, the field of law enforcement is vast and has many levels and branches. There are the local law enforcement agencies such as the city police deparments or the state patrol offices and then there are federal level law enforcement officers in the FBI, CIA, ATF, and secret service. Some of the federal law enforcment agencies can also be said to be a part of our homeland security efforts and those efforts often overlap. Learn more about law enforcement degree options and requirements.
Legal & Court System
The legal and court system, also known as the judicial system, is the mechanism in our country that provides clarity of laws, enacts new laws and precedents, and orders punishments for those individuals or entitites that do not adhere to those laws. The courts are a place where disputes are settled, using the clarity of the law to guide the outcome. The training involved in obtaining a position within the legal or court system depends on what capacity you will be acting in. Learn about paralegal degree requirements, bailiff training, or transciption and court reporting degree options. Find your specific educational path.
Corrections System
Our nation’s corrections system is the institution that handles the punishment and incarceration of individuals found guilty of crimes from our court system. In the modern world, prisons and time spent within the prison system has become the norm for the punishment of crimes having the severity to warrant such a punishment. The idea behind imprisoning criminals has multiple dimensions. They are in place to act as a deterrance to committing crimes, as an actual punishment for removal from the freedoms of society, and as a place where rehabilitation can be carried out so that they may be released as productive members of our society. Find out more about corrections officer training and education options available.
Homeland Security
Homeland security is a term we hear much more often since the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the increased threat of terrorist activities being planned and attempted on United States soil. The Department of Homeland security was formed in the wake of 9/11 as a more robust system that utilizes the efforts of several separate departments and divisions with one unifying goal of protecting our country from threats and preparing for the possible handling of tragic events and disasters. From intelligence gathering, border patroling, and disaster preparedness, there are a number of important positions from local to federal level to sustain the operations of this vitally important department. Get the scoop on homeland security degree programs and the various roles to be played.
Academics & Research in Criminal Justice
Academic research into criminal intent, organized crime, terrorist activities, or individual psychological indicators are subjects that are heavily researched in criminal justice academia. Understanding the phenomenon of criminal intent, how it arises in individuals and then is spread to groups is something any health society must understand due to the fact that informs how we go about creating incentives and disincentives in our system for deterring such activities. If you are someone who enjoys research and taking a theoretical approach to the problems in criminal justice, an academic or research position may be a good fit. Learn what it takes to get a criminology degree, and explore academic options.