A career in the criminal justice field can be difficult, stressful and dangerous. However, obtaining a degree in the justice industry can be extremely rewarding. Being involved with the trials, convictions, arrests, apprehension and incarceration of criminals can be both exciting and gratifying. The area of criminal justice is currently in need of talented, professional and dedicated law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, prison guards, justice administrators, judges, probation officers and prosecutors. This demand has resulted in an increase of criminal justice training degrees and certification programs from a variety of reputable schools and colleges, like the Berks Technical Institute.

It can be difficult to choose the type of college training that best fits you. How do you know if you’re an ideal candidate for an education in criminal justice?

• Are you interested in criminology, criminal behavior and the justice system? Do you possess a strong fascination with laws, regulations and crime statistics?

• Are you willing to dedicate time to intensive training courses and concentrated classes that study crime theory, criminal behavior and various other elements that comprise a criminal justice career education?

Those who wish to enroll in criminal justice classes will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of careers. Students may elect to focus their education on forensic psychology, homeland security, forensic science, law enforcement, juvenile delinquency, private investigations and victim counseling.

Criminal justice certification training allows students to obtain a solid comprehension of the justice industry. Students are able to become familiar with the many different elements of justice operations, such as:

• The court system – how it works, its rules and regulations, its function during a criminal court case, the important roles that various justice workers play during a trial

• Law enforcement operations – its importance in society, its many strengths and weaknesses, how it has changed over a period of time, its place in the modern criminal justice system, its modern place in society

• Collecting and preserving evidence – how the collection of physical evidence and science and investigative methods have developed and changed, how scientific advances have dramatically changed the way we look at crime scenes

• Crime Lab operations – the importance of the precise nature of investigative techniques, how to avoid evidence contamination, why and how certain methods are used, how highly-advanced scientific techniques have changed and can be improved

• Prisons and correctional institutions – their everyday operations, how they help inmates and prisoners, behavior control, the basic functions of different types of security levels

• Recreating crime scenes – this fascinating new branch of crime scene investigation examines the crime scene by analyzing the exact manner in which it was found

School degrees in criminal justice allow graduates to choose positions that are both academic and career-focused, allowing entry-level job-seekers to choose various positions in the law enforcement, justice administrations and corrections fields.