Lip Gloss & Law Enforcement: Women In The Criminal Justice Field

The field of criminal justice is no longer astaff positions are other viable options for women in
male-dominated industry. In fact, it is now a boomingcriminal justice. There are investigative positions for
and nearly recession-proof field that is constantlyboth prosecutors and defense attorneys as well.
seeking highly-trained individuals of both gender. TheThese positions generally require some prior
following are descriptions of the many rewardinginvestigative experience.
career options the field of criminal justice has toCorrections
offer for women.The field of corrections offers many advantages to
Law Enforcement:women as well. Female correctional officers are
Opportunities for women exist in law enforcement atneeded in any institution that houses females. These
local, county, state and federal levels. Whether youcan also range from adult to juvenile facilities and
want to work patrol, corrections, security or becomemaximum to minimum security facilities.
specialized in some area, law enforcement may beCivilian Positions:
the place for you. State positions are available in thePrivate security grows each day as more and more
area of highway patrol or the division of criminalagencies are filling in where law enforcement can no
intelligence. Federal positions for law enforcementlonger reach. Large corporations and hospitals often
vary within each agency. Such positions are availablehave security/loss prevention positions that offer
in the Federal Bureau of Investigations; Border Patrol;better hours and advancement opportunities than law
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm; Secret Service andenforcement.
Homeland Security.Forensic Science
Civilian Support:Criminalistics is a field within criminal justice that will
Every agency of criminal justice uses civilian supportcontinue to grow as technology grows. This field
personnel and many of these positions are held byinvolves advanced crime scene investigating. Arson,
women. Report takers, dispatchers, recordshandwriting, ballistics, DNA, drug screening and fibers
specialists, computer information support personnelare only a few of the many areas of specialties
and radio technicians are the predominate positionswithin the forensic science fields.
held by civilian support.When looking at a career in the criminal justice field,
Court Positions:women are only as limited as their thinking. Find your
Lawyers, victim advocates, domestic violencepassion and follow it, as gender should never stop
advocates, paralegals, court reporters and supportyou from any career you choose.