Describing what happens in a law firm and criminal justice

careers within the criminal justice system are well paying

1. Careers in Criminal Justice Exploring Probation Officer and Correctional Officer Roles Student Full Name: Institutional Affiliation: Course Full Title: Instructor Full Name: Due Date:

2. Introduction to Criminal Justice Criminal Justice represents a system of practices and institutions designed to uphold social order, deter crime, and administer justice (Martin & Zettler , 2021) The system encompasses various agencies, including Police Departments, the Courts, and Correctional Facilities Crucial functions of these agencies are Maintaining public safety Upholding justice and fairness Enhancing rehabilitation and reentry into society This presentation covers two positions in criminal justice that I would work in: Probation Officer and Correctional Officer

3. 1. Probation Officer One of the positions I would committedly work in is that of a probation officer This officer works in the probation department Their first responsibility in the flow of the criminal justice process is providing advisory reports to the Court when determining bail and bond (Harris, 2022) After an offender is sentenced, the probation officer supervises them if placed on probation or parole Collaboration with other criminal justice professionals helps in coordinating efforts and sharing information

4. Probation Officer Employment Probation officers can work with the following agencies Probation department Courts Federal Probation and Pretrial Services Qualifications for the position include: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice Pass a competency exam Pass a criminal background check Pass a pre-employment drug test The national average annual wage for probation officers working for local governments is $60,250 ( Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023) California offers the highest annual salary - $94,650

5. Probation Officer Career Outlook Employment opportunities for probation officers are expected to increase, with 7,400 openings annually ( Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023) The position also has several advancement opportunities; Experienced probation officers may advance to senior or supervisory positions within their agencies Probation supervisors with leadership skills can advance to managerial roles One may also pursue specialized roles such as working with juveniles or offenders with mental health issues (Martin & Zettler , 2021) The position has a promising future for all persons aspiring to work as probation officers

6. 2. Correctional Officer The second position I would participate in criminal justice is that of a correctional officer This position refers to a professional within the criminal justice system responsible for maintaining security and order within correctional facilities (Evers et al., 2020) They oversee the activities of imamates and enforce compliance with facility rules and regulations They are closely related to probation officers but have different roles; While probation officers work with individuals on parole , correctional officers supervise those who are incarcerated within correctional facilities

7. Correctional Officer Employment The average annual wage of correctional officers in the United States is $49,610 ( U.S. Department of Labor, 2023) Factors influencing salary include geographical location (officers in urban areas earn higher because of higher costs of living) and experience Qualifications for the position include: High school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions Age requirement depending on the state (some 18 and others 21 years) Pass a physical fitness assessment Pass drug screening A correctional officer can work in State Departments of Corrections, County Sheriff’s Offices, or Private Corrections Companies

8. Correctional Officer Career Outlook The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected 30,900 job openings annually for correctional officers over this decade ( U.S. Department of Labor, 2023) These openings will largely result from population growth and the need to replace officers who transfer to other occupations There are several opportunities for career advancement: Promotions to supervisory or managerial positions within one’s agency Advanced degrees and specialized certifications, such as leadership skills, can secure a correctional officer a higher-level position Reforms such as emphasis on rehabilitation suggest a more inclusive and progressive corrections system (Evers et al., 2020)

9. Motivation for the Two Positions The two positions align with my passion for serving the public and making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable people – in this case, offenders desiring to reenter society My commitment to community safety has also been crucial – I believe in a safe environment where people can thrive socially, economically, and politically Undoubtedly, security issues undermine growth Interests in rehabilitation motivate me to foster an accommodating environment where every person gets a chance to reform Helping offenders address underlying issues such as substance abuse and supporting them to lead a lawful life will be fulfilling my desire for a just and considerate society

10. Other Positions in Criminal Justice In addition to the two positions covered in this presentation, there are other occupations one can work in criminal justice: Forensic Scientist – Analyzes physical evidence collected from crime scenes using scientific techniques Victim Advocate – Provides support, information, and assistance to victims throughout the criminal justice process They help victims understand their rights, access resources, and navigate the legal system Criminal Investigator – Conducts investigations into criminal activities They gather evidence, interview suspects and witnesses, and analyze information to build cases for identifying and arresting perpetrators The prosecution relies on this evidence during court proceedings

11. Conclusion In summary, working as a criminal justice professional allows you to serve the community in one of its most crucial aspects (SECURITY and SAFETY) Probation and correctional officers are essential in facilitating rehabilitation and reentry into society (Martin & Zettler , 2021) These officers ensure individuals with criminal behavior can reform and continue with their lives as law-abiding citizens My call to all professions within the criminal justice system and those aspiring to work there is that, “Uphold Justice and Fairness at all times.” Continued education and training are essential for professional development

12. References Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 6).  Occupational Outlook Handbook, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists . U.S. Department of Labor.  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm Evers, T. J., Ogloff , J. R., Trounson , J. S., & Pfeifer, J. E. (2020). Well-being interventions for correctional officers in a prison setting: A review and meta-analysis.  Criminal Justice and Behavior ,  47 (1), 3-21. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854819869975 Harris, R. (2022).  Crime, criminal justice, and the probation service . Routledge. ISBN: 9781003310556 Martin, K. D., & Zettler , H. R. (2021). An examination of probation officer tasks by officer-caseload type.  Criminal Justice Policy Review ,  32 (7), 693-717. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403420980823 U.S. Department of Labor. (2023, October 11).  Occupational Outlook Handbook, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs . Bureau of Labor Statistics.  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm