Government positions are coveted by many—there’s a measure of security, good benefits, ability to move up in rank, flexibility in where you work and live, and a chance to make a positive impact on American lives. Because of these pros, you will face stiff competition, but a criminal justice degree will get you on the right path to working at one of the following agencies. Some may be extremely familiar to you; others you may be hearing about for the first time.
Be A Federal-Level Crime Stopper
The most high-profile agency with this role is the FBI. These specially trained agents take down the most resourceful and skilled criminals nationwide. Or, you could guard analysts or astronauts against threats by working in the Central Intelligence Agency Security Protective Services and NASA protective services.
Work outdoors, stopping crime, in lesser-known but equally important roles through the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement or with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement.
There's also the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division or the Bureau of Land Management Office of Law Enforcement, which handles land for the purposes of renewable energy and recreation. These titles and official agency names may not have the same recognition as the FBI, but you will still be shielding our country from harm.
Protect The Armed Forces
It's more of a commitment to go this route, but every branch of the military has its own police and investigative services. The Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps all have their own benefits and allow you to practice law enforcement under different circumstances. Another option to consider are the multiple teams within the Department of Defense, one such being the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Typically, in any of the lower-level military police positions, you'll be performing security operations, patrolling, and surveillance.
Serve In The Departments—In Other Words, In Wherever You Find Interesting
If you're willing to think a little more broadly, there are seemingly endless choices for you in the departments. Just like the military, the departments also have their own investigative services. And there is a department for practically any area you are interested in, from the Pentagon Force Protection Agency that protects America's most valuable secrets and personnel to FINCEN, which handles financial crimes.
The Office of Inspector General investigates in sectors of education, energy, national parks, agriculture, and health and human services. Customs and border protection look into immigration crimes, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police provides law enforcement assistance to tribes that don't have their own organized patrol to keep peace everywhere.
A Government Job For Anyone
There are lots of options here to whet your interest, but the good news is that it should be easy to narrow down a choice based on your specific likes and dislikes. Find a school offering criminal justice classes near you, earn your degree, and gain experience in your chosen area. You’ll be on your way to securing a federal position, keeping our country and its occupants safe.
