Criminal Justice involves many different law enforcement departments, agents, officers, and educators. They all work together to keep this country safe, secure, and protected. Each employee in every department is specially trained and educated to perform their job duties at a professional and expert level. Some of the major criminal justice departments at the federal level are the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Transportation Security Administration. At the state and local levels, there are police officers, security officers, law offices, crime scene investigators, special detective agents, and other law enforcement officers.
The Department of Homeland Security employs border patrol officers who are stationed at the United States' borders. These borders include the United States-Mexican border as well as the United States-Canadian border. They check each person who wants to cross the border for the proper documentation to enter. For United States citizens, you must have a valid passport or enhanced identification card in order to cross the border. They check for other documentation as well. These officers are also responsible for catching those who try to smuggle illegal drugs, unauthorized items, or people into the United States.
The FBI and the CIA are both federal agencies that are designed to protect the nation from those committing crimes. The FBI focuses on investigating crimes, questioning individuals suspected of a crime, and assisting other law enforcement officers and agents convict someone of a crime. The CIA focuses specifically on national security. They collect intelligence information that will help people like the President and the Vice President detect potential threats to the United States. This can included investigating potential terrorists and countries that have weapons of mass destruction. The Secret Service employs individuals to protect government officials such as the President and his family members. The TSA is responsible for the protection of public transportation so the people can travel safely and securely.
State and local police officers are the people that secure the safety of the people in their area of jurisdiction. They enforce federal, state, and local laws so that the community runs smoothly and with as little crimes as possible. When someone commits a crime, they have the authority to arrest that individual. They also assist in domestic violence cases, hate crimes, and any other crime that an individual or group can commit.
Once the education and training is complete, there are a wide variety of Criminal Justice Jobs available to those seeking them.
