Crime is at large, now more than ever. We get to hear of unimaginably heinous misdeeds every day that can be nerve-wracking for the people who suffer from it. The motivations behind these actions could base on religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, castes, and everything else that creates a bias in our society. The harsh reality is that it exists on every level and every scale, and people from all age groups and genders are equally prone to it.
Fortunately for us, we have adequate and competent law enforcement agencies to protect our interests and ensure the safety of our lives against these perpetrators. It might be risky, but is a highly noble profession that guarantees a respectable career. And with the development of proper governing bodies, this field has also adapted an efficient system to function with several branches.
Individuals who feel strongly about the security of others, or harbor a strong sense of morality readily line up to join this line of service. Besides securing the people from crimes, they also obtain a steady source of income for themselves. One with sufficient room for professional growth, although that is dependent upon the branch of law enforcement which they serve.
Choosing to pursue a career in this field can be a bold decision, but its many rewards make it worthwhile. If you can also see a future in this area, then here are the top-paying options that you should consider before picking any categories. These should help make your career even more exciting than it already could be.
1. DEA AGENTS
A DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent works as part of a team that tackles drug trafficking and apprehends people involved in it. Because they deal with a range of tasks while performing their duties, a dea agent salary can be rather appealing for most people. Serving in this profession requires them to be proficient in several languages, have an apt understanding of body language, be remarkably flexible, and an expert in paying attention to details and decision making. You can expect an average yearly income between $60,000 and $90,000.
2. LAWYERS & ATTORNEYS
Criminal justice lawyers and attorneys can enjoy a comfortable living, thanks to the magnitude and abundance of cases for them in this area. They function by advising their clients in civil and criminal trials and informing them of the possible course of actions within their legal rights. Besides that, advocating before the court of law is a primary part of their job. They need to spend a total of seven years in undergrad and law school to consider bar exams and licensing for practicing. Upon completion, you can enjoy a yearly income of above $70,000.
3. DETECTIVE & PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS
This section of the criminal justice body specializes in active law enforcement practices and maintain order in a city. Detectives rank higher than police officers and work on solving specific cases by examining records, collecting evidence, and apprehending criminals. Most of them are advance from the position of a police officer by clearing specializing exams that test their physical and mental competence. Once they promote this level, they can get a salary of up to $90,000 in a year.
Private investigators offer similar services, but since they are not part of a system, they are more flexible with their work. They may be unlicensed and undertake all nature of cases. Thus, making them more suitable for private investigations.
4. POLICE OFFICERS
Police officers play a more significant role in the day to day activities of our lives. They maintain order, file reports, make arrests, apprehend offenders of the law, and respond to calls for individual assistance. Qualifying for this job requires them to clear training and pass several medical, physical, and written exams. After completing them, they can serve state or federal agencies following the defined code of law. You should expect to earn $40,000 to $60,000 a year. To get into a higher pay scale, try to apply getting done with your undergrad.
5. FEDERAL MARSHALS
Federal marshals perform a more narrow scope of duties. They are prominent members of the US government’s executive branch. Their job description involves providing adequate security to court officers and officials and ensuring the smooth functioning of the judicial system. Part of their job also requires them to convey and fulfill court orders, like arrest warrants or prisoner transfers. Individuals can join this field after completing a degree in criminal justice and three years of practice in this area. They are likely to start from a pay scale of above $38,000 a year.
6. FORENSICS ANALYSTS
Forensics analysts are the Sherlock Holmes of the world of criminal justice. They collect and analyze evidence related to criminal cases and make reasonable deductions or draw appropriate conclusions from their findings. They work closely with medical examiners, officers, and lab technicians to perform their duties. Exhibiting a sound understanding of ballistics, fingerprinting, biochemistry, and other implicit details of cases is essential for their jobs. People wanting to work in this branch need to complete a bachelor’s in criminal justice and get a forensic science specialization through enforcement agencies. They can start working with annual pay of $37,000 and expect gradual growth with time and experience.
7. PROBATION OFFICERS
Probation officers work on rehabilitating and reforming the lives of law offenders, convicts, and people still waiting for their sentencing. They supervise the activities of released criminals and run background checks on arrested individuals to help with the sentencing. A vital part of their job also involves providing recommendations on matters related to sentencing and reviewing court orders. They offer rehabilitation assistance and referrals to counseling, training, and community service programs for offenders. That makes their job rather important in intercepting and eliminating crime from our streets. These can start their careers from $35,000 and expect to go up to $60,000 a year with gradual growth.
8. COURT CLERKS
Court clerks provide clerical support with matters related to the municipality and court systems, as well as federal licensing agencies. They perform all the associated services and administrative duties for the judicial system. That involves issuing licenses, collecting fees, maintaining fiscal accounts, and verifying the propositions made in the court. They need to complete a 2-year associate degree and other technical programs from vocational schools. Depending on their performance, experience, and work, they can earn between $20,000 and $75,000 a year.
SUMMARY
These are top-paying career options in criminal justice that you need to consider for your future. Make sure to prepare for rigorous physical and mental exercise for all of them, as this field deals with everyone identically. Rest assured, you can envision a respectable and satisfying life ahead of you after joining this field.