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Is a Criminal Justice Degree Right for Me?

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Right for Me?

Think about a degree in criminal justice if you:

• possess sound judgment and a sense of responsibility.
• are proud to be an American and have a desire to serve your country and fellow citizens.
• have strong personal and moral convictions.
• are able to foster relationships and command the respect of others.
• like working with and helping people.
• have natural leadership skills and are not afraid to take charge of a situation.
• have strong problem-solving skills and can gather information from a range of sources to understand a situation.
• enjoy crime shows on TV like CSI: Miami or Law & Order, mystery novels, or games.
• believe all people should be treated with dignity and respect at all times, no matter what their background, social circumstances, or appearance.
• like community or public service events or activities.
• don't panic easily and can keep your cool during a crisis.
• have good interpersonal and communication skills, such as listening, speaking, and writing.
• are honest and willing to perform your duties in accordance with the law and established departmental rules and procedures.

What is private security? How does private security differ from law enforcement?

Private security and law enforcement have many similarities on the surface. The differences that exist between the two are are quite significant, however. One of the key differences being that private security is usually progressive in nature—meaning oriented towards the prevention of crime—often using invasive procedures.

The Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.) officers you see at the airports are charged with the prevention of crime. They do so by using metal detectors, x-ray machines, searching bags and private property, demanding identification, and at times a more invasive individual search.

Should police engage in similar activities among the general public, there would be serious Constitutional issues raised. Alternatively, law enforcement is largely reactive in nature, taking action when the crime is either in progress or has already occurred—this is by design and within the limitations of the United States Constitution. Though sure and swift, enforcement may prevent crime through deterrence; it does so in an indirect manner.

It is important to note that private security is in a state of change right now. A mere 10 years ago the words private security would conjure up images of a senior citizen, asleep in a chair in the corner of your bank.

Private security today has a wide range: from paramilitary organizations utilizing former Special Forces military personnel in high risk environments such as Iraq to computer-savvy technicians charged with information security for both public and private organizations. As an industry, private security has a significant demand for those persons with specialized skills in accounting, information technology, criminal justice, corrections, military tactics, etc.

It is worth noting that as private security becomes increasingly diversified and specialized, salaries are becoming competitive with those of government agencies. In many cases, law enforcement and corrections personnel may leave public sector government jobs for higher paying private security jobs. Generally the higher the pay, the more competitive and demanding the position; education, skills, and training will likely be strong factors for job consideration.

Whether you decide to work in law enforcement or private security, demand for qualified personnel has never been higher. Education and specialized skills have become increasingly important in this ever changing and uncertain world in which we live. Will you be up to the challenge?

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