The field of criminal justice is no longer a male-dominated industry. In fact, it is now a booming and nearly recession-proof field that is constantly seeking highly-trained individuals of both gender. The following are descriptions of the many rewarding career options the field of criminal justice has to offer for women.

Law Enforcement:

Opportunities for women exist in law enforcement at local, county, state and federal levels. Whether you want to work patrol, corrections, security or become specialized in some area, law enforcement may be the place for you. State positions are available in the area of highway patrol or the division of criminal intelligence. Federal positions for law enforcement vary within each agency. Such positions are available in the Federal Bureau of Investigations; Border Patrol; Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm; Secret Service and Homeland Security.

Civilian Support:

Every agency of criminal justice uses civilian support personnel and many of these positions are held by women. Report takers, dispatchers, records specialists, computer information support personnel and radio technicians are the predominate positions held by civilian support.

Court Positions:

Lawyers, victim advocates, domestic violence advocates, paralegals, court reporters and support staff positions are other viable options for women in criminal justice. There are investigative positions for both prosecutors and defense attorneys as well. These positions generally require some prior investigative experience.

Corrections

The field of corrections offers many advantages to women as well. Female correctional officers are needed in any institution that houses females. These can also range from adult to juvenile facilities and maximum to minimum security facilities.

Civilian Positions:

Private security grows each day as more and more agencies are filling in where law enforcement can no longer reach. Large corporations and hospitals often have security/loss prevention positions that offer better hours and advancement opportunities than law enforcement.

Forensic Science

Criminalistics is a field within criminal justice that will continue to grow as technology grows. This field involves advanced crime scene investigating. Arson, handwriting, ballistics, DNA, drug screening and fibers are only a few of the many areas of specialties within the forensic science fields.

When looking at a career in the criminal justice field, women are only as limited as their thinking. Find your passion and follow it, as gender should never stop you from any career you choose.