Criminal Justice Careers, Essay Example

In today’s society, the multitude and variety of crimes being committed by individuals of assorted walks of life is becoming increasingly prevalent as a result of a legion of factors. While efforts to deter illegal activity are being made with frequency, the criminal justice system in the United States is becoming overwhelmed by the outlawed actions being performed by a portion of the population as demonstrated by the steady incline in incarceration rates (Levitt, 1996). With that said, criminal justice careers including U.S. Marshals Service, ATF agents, and border patrol are all receiving a level of much deserved attention.

First, pursuing employment in the U.S. Marshals Service is a leading choice by individuals aiming to work in the criminal justice field. With over 3,340 workers, those involved in this career “apprehend federal fugitives, protect the federal judiciary, operate the Witness Security Program, transport federal prisoners and seize property acquired by criminals through illegal activities.” The U.S. Marshals Service involves judicial security, fugitive investigations, special missions, prisoner operations, asset forfeiture procedures, as well as prisoner transportation systems. While other criminal justice careers focus solely on crimes committed within the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service concerns itself with not only criminals located domestically, but also international and foreign fugitives (U.S. Marshals Service, Fact Sheet, General, 2009). Clearly, the U.S. Marshals Service prides itself on its ability to work effectively in the United States and abroad, making it a notable criminal justice career.

Moreover, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is an additional career highlighted in the video provided by Prentice Hall. With a wealth of career opportunities including work as a special agent, an investigator, a professional and technical expert, as well as internship possibilities, work in the ATF is unique as it enforces a specific section of the laws governing United States citizens (ATF Online – Careers – Opportunities, n.d.). Through the combination of effectively utilizing exemplary technology and partnering with a plethora of agencies, the ATF makes great strides toward protecting the population from illegal activity such as terrorism, arson, the handling of explosives, misuse of firearms, and more (ATF Online – About ATF – Mission / Vision / Values, n.d.). Overall, this bureau has proven itself extensively capable in its division and is a frontrunner in leading criminal justice careers.

Lastly, a further employment opportunity exists in joining the United States Border Patrol. Individuals employed in this field attempt to secure the borders of America against any threat to the country’s safety. Border patrol workers are able to monitor the borders through varying locations including the air, bodies of water, and land. As indicated by being the nation’s most extensive law enforcement agency, border patrol agents are paramount to maintaining safety levels in the United States (CBP Border Security Spotlight, n.d.). Therefore, being provided with the opportunity to secure a position within the agency is an invaluable opportunity.

In final consideration, criminal justice careers including U.S. Marshals Service, ATF agents, and border patrol are receiving a level of much deserved attention. While each of the previously mentioned careers provides invaluable services, I am most inspired by the work performed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. As stated earlier, the ATF concerns itself with contemporary issues including terrorism, firearms, and explosives. In the current condition of the United States, media outlets are placing a heavy emphasis on hot topics such as those. Therefore, it would be a distinct privilege to obtain a position that would allow me to assist in providing attention to an area that concerns many Americans including myself. All in all, every criminal justice career is able to be rewarding, but I am confident I would experience both the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits associated with a career as an ATF agent.

References

ATF Online – About ATF – Mission / Vision / Values. (n.d.). ATF Online – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.atf.gov/about/mission/

ATF Online – Careers – Opportunities. (n.d.). ATF Online – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.atf.gov/careers/opportunities/

CBP Border Security Spotlight. (n.d.). CBP.gov – home page. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/

Levitt, S. D. (1996). The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 11(2), 319-351.

U.S. Marshals Service, Fact Sheet, General. (2009, December 30). U.S. Marshals Home Page. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.usmarshals.gov/duties/factsheets/general-1209.html