Careers in Criminal Justice and Related Fields From Internship to Promotion

by Harr, J. Scott; Hess, Kären M.

• ISBN13: 9780534626204
• ISBN10: 0534626203
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-06-27
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

This book provides students with the necessary information to help them enter the field of criminal justice--from finding a criminal justice internship all the way to locating the right criminal justice profession for them. It also helps students develop a job-search strategy, offering information on internship requirements, professional conduct, r?sum?s, interviews, and locating jobs. It is also a valuable resource to those in the field who are interested in professional development, job change and promotional advancement. To reflect the changes to the new edition, the title has been changed from SEEKING EMPLOYMENT IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND RELATED FIELDS to CAREERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND RELATED FIELDS: FROM INTERNSHIP TO PROMOTION, Fifth Edition.

Table of Contents

Figures/Tables	xvii
Foreword	xviii
Acknowledgments	xix
Introduction	xxi
About the Authors	xxiv
SECTION ONE: THE CHALLENGE	1	(126)
Employment Trends: the World of Work	2	(14)
Introduction	2	(1)
The Importance of Work	2	(2)
What's Important on the Job	4	(1)
A Brief History	4	(1)
Our Changing Work World	5	(3)
Demographic Trends	6	(1)
Vital Communication and Technical Skills	7	(1)
A Look at Jobs of the Future---Where Will You Fit In?	8	(3)
Growth in the Service Industries	8	(2)
A Need for More Education	10	(1)
Keeping Up-to-Date	11	(1)
Conclusion	12	(1)
Introducing the Insiders' Views	12	(1)
An Insider's View: ``What You'll Need to Succeed in the 21st Century'' (Erickson)	13	(1)
Insider's View Online	14	(1)
Mind Stretches	14	(1)
References	15	(1)
First Responders: Careers in Law Enforcement, Public Safety and Related Fields	16	(35)
Introduction	16	(1)
Is Law Enforcement for You?	16	(2)
Employment Requirements	18	(1)
Employment Outlook	19	(1)
Law Enforcement---Up Close	19	(1)
Where Opportunities Exist	20	(10)
Local Agencies	20	(1)
County Agencies	21	(1)
Tribal Agencies	22	(1)
State Agencies	22	(2)
Federal Agencies	24	(6)
Jurisdictions Compared	30	(1)
Salaries	31	(3)
Local, County and State Salaries	32	(1)
Federal Salaries	32	(1)
Fringe Benefits	33	(1)
Promotions and Transfers	33	(1)
Advanced Jobs and Specialization	34	(5)
The Juvenile Officer	35	(1)
Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI)	36	(1)
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)	37	(1)
Armed Sky Marshals	37	(1)
Mint Police	38	(1)
Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Officer	38	(1)
Other Venues Requiring Law Enforcement	39	(1)
International Jobs	39	(1)
Nonsworn Career Options Related to Law Enforcement	40	(1)
Community Crime Prevention Specialists	40	(1)
Juvenile Specialists	41
Animal Control Officers	40	(1)
Dispatchers	41	(1)
Fire Service	41	(3)
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics	44	(1)
Conclusion	44	(1)
An Insider's View: ``It's Not Like on TV'' (Conroy)	45	(1)
Insider's View Online	46	(1)
Mind Stretches	47	(1)
References	47	(1)
Helpful Websites	48	(2)
Other Resources	50	(1)
Careers in the Courts, Corrections and Related Fields	51	(19)
Introduction	51	(1)
Opportunities in Our Judicial System---the Courts	52	(7)
Lawyers	52	(2)
Judges, Magistrates and Other Judicial Workers	54	(1)
Legal Assistants and Paralegals	54	(1)
Court Reporters	55	(1)
Bailiffs	56	(1)
Clerks	57	(1)
Other ``Helping'' Professions Necessary to the Justice System	57	(2)
Opportunities in Our Judicial System---Corrections	59	(6)
Corrections Officers	60	(2)
Probation and Parole Officers	62	(1)
Community Corrections---Alternatives to Incarceration	63	(1)
Juvenile Corrections	64	(1)
Other Careers in Corrections	65	(1)
Conclusion	65	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Lawyers Wear Many Hats: Is One Right for You?'' (Halberg)	66	(1)
Insider's View Online	67	(1)
Mind Stretches	67	(1)
References	68	(1)
Helpful Websites	69	(1)
Other Resources	69	(1)
Careers in Private Security	70	(19)
Introduction	70	(1)
Public versus Private Officers	71	(1)
Public/Private Cooperation	72	(1)
Privatization of Public Justice	73	(1)
Private Corrections	74	(1)
Private Sector Involvement in Juvenile Justice	74	(1)
Private Security---Up Close	74	(10)
Types of Jobs Available	76	(3)
Employment Requirements	79	(2)
Job Outlook	81	(1)
Salaries	82	(2)
Fringe Benefits	84	(1)
Promotions	84	(1)
Conclusion	84	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Career Opportunities in Private Security'' (Iannone)	85	(1)
Insider's View Online	86	(1)
Mind Stretches	86	(1)
References	87	(1)
Helpful Websites	88	(1)
Additional Contacts and Sources of Information	88	(1)
On Choosing a Career: Knowing the Job and Yourself	89	(20)
Introduction	89	(1)
Selecting and Developing a Career	90	(3)
Charting Your Future Course	92	(1)
Career Coaches and Counselors	93	(1)
Brainstorming Possibilities	93	(1)
``Just the Facts''	94	(4)
Age	94	(1)
Physical Requirements	94	(1)
Education	95	(1)
Background	96	(1)
Experience	97	(1)
Develop a Positive Attitude	97	(1)
What Do You Want from a Career?	98	(3)
Moving Toward Your Career Goal	101	(1)
Acquire What You Need	102	(1)
Internships	102	(1)
Alternatives	102	(1)
To Risk or Not to Risk---That Is the Question	103	(1)
Get Going!	104	(1)
It's Just a Job . . .	104	(1)
Conclusion	105	(1)
An Insider's View: ``The Private Security Alternative'' (Green)	105	(2)
Insider's View Online	107	(1)
Mind Stretches	107	(1)
References	108	(1)
Additional Contacts and Sources of Information	108	(1)
Internships: Testing the Waters	109	(18)
Introduction	109	(1)
Nothing New Here!	110	(1)
On Interns and Internships	110	(2)
Locating Internship Opportunities	112	(2)
School-Related Internships	112	(1)
Locating Internships Online	113	(1)
Start Early! Stay Organized!	114	(1)
Service Learning	114	(1)
What Is Expected of You?	114	(2)
Making the Most of the Experience	116	(2)
When Good Internships Go Bad	118	(2)
What If You Are Told to ``Get Out''?	120	(1)
Being Evaluated	120	(1)
Internships Throughout Your Career	121	(1)
A Recap---The Do's and Don'ts of Internships	121	(3)
Conclusion	124	(1)
An Insider's View: ``The Benefits of Learning while Serving'' (Hendricks)	124	(1)
Mind Stretches	125	(1)
References	126	(1)
SECTION TWO: MEETING THE CHALLENGE: PREPARING	127	(90)
Physical Fitness and Testing	128	(18)
Introduction	128	(1)
What Is Fitness?	128	(1)
Why Is Fitness Important?	129	(1)
Physical Fitness Testing	130	(2)
The Medical Examination	132	(1)
Self-Assessment	133	(3)
Cardiovascular Tests	133	(1)
Balance Test	134	(1)
Flexibility Tests	134	(1)
Agility Test	135	(1)
Strength Tests	135	(1)
Power Tests	135	(1)
A Basic Physical Fitness Program	136	(2)
Tips	136	(1)
Sticking to Your Fitness Program	136	(1)
The Challenge of Maintaining Fitness	137	(1)
Fitness and Stress	138	(1)
The Upside of Stress	139	(1)
Fitness and Nutrition	139	(1)
Obesity	140	(1)
Fitness and Lifestyle	140	(1)
Smoking, Alcohol and Other Drugs	141	(1)
Benefits of Being Physically Fit	141	(1)
Conclusion	142	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Fitness: The Most Important Weapon You Will Ever Carry'' (Nierenhausen)	142	(2)
Insiders' Views Online	144	(1)
Mind Stretches	144	(1)
References	144	(2)
Other Forms of Testing	146	(19)
Introduction	146	(1)
Test Anxiety	146	(1)
Testing Knowledge	147	(4)
General Knowledge	148	(1)
Specific Knowledge	149	(2)
Memory and Observation Tests	151	(1)
Strategies for Taking Tests	151	(3)
Assessment Centers	154	(1)
Psychological Testing	154	(5)
Purposes of Psychological Testing	155	(1)
Testing Methods	156	(1)
Specific Psychological Tests	156	(2)
Integrity Tests	158	(1)
Polygraph Testing	159	(1)
Background Checks	160	(1)
On Being Dishonest	161	(1)
Conclusion	162	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Preparing to Do Your Best'' (Conroy)	162	(1)
Insider's View Online	163	(1)
Mind Stretches	163	(1)
References	163	(1)
Recommended Test Preparation Books	164	(1)
Attributes of Successful Candidates	165	(18)
Introduction	165	(1)
How Do You Appear on Paper?	166	(1)
Personal Attributes	166	(9)
Past General Employment	168	(1)
Volunteer Community Service	169	(1)
Work-Related Experience	169	(1)
Military Service	170	(1)
Education	170	(3)
Communication Skills	173	(1)
Computer, Keyboarding and Word Processing Skills	174	(1)
Interning	174	(1)
Painting a Picture	175	(1)
Making the Best of Bad Situations	175	(2)
Criminal Justice, Private Security and Ethics	177	(2)
Values	178	(1)
Conclusion	179	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Getting Your Foot in the Door'' (Stein)	179	(2)
Insider's View Online	181	(1)
Mind Stretches	181	(1)
References	181	(2)
The Resume: Selling Yourself on Paper	183	(22)
Introduction	183	(1)
What Is a Resume?	183	(1)
The Purposes of the Resume	184	(1)
Steps in Creating a Resume	185	(1)
Compile Information	185	(5)
Personal Identifying Information	186	(1)
Education	187	(1)
Work Experience	187	(1)
Position Desired or Employment Objective	188	(1)
Other Information	188	(1)
References	188	(1)
Photograph	188	(1)
What Not to Include	189	(1)
Select the Type of Resume	190	(2)
Historical/Chronological Resume	190	(1)
Functional Resume	191	(1)
Analytical Resume	191	(1)
What about Creativity?	192	(1)
Format the Resume	192	(1)
Write the Resume	192	(4)
Preparing an E-Resume	194	(1)
Preparing a Scannable Resume	195	(1)
Tailoring Your Resume	195	(1)
Edit and Polish Your First Draft	196	(1)
Evaluate and Revise	196	(1)
Print Your Resume	196	(1)
Making It a ``10''	197	(1)
The Cover Letter	197	(2)
Sending Your Resume	199	(1)
Electronic Submission and Faxing of Resumes	200	(1)
Hand Delivering Your Resume	200	(1)
Following Up	200	(1)
For More Help	201	(1)
Conclusion	201	(1)
An Insider's View: ``The Resume: A Balance of Modesty and Self-Confidence'' (Kerlikowske)	201	(1)
Insider's View Online	202	(1)
Mind Stretches	203	(1)
References	203	(1)
Helpful Websites	204	(1)
Preparing for Not Getting the Job	205	(12)
Introduction	205	(1)
Handling Rejection	205	(3)
Remaining Positive	208	(1)
Learning from the Process	209	(1)
Normal Reaction to Loss	209	(3)
Conclusion	212	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Each Failure Is One Step Closer to Success'' (Thompson)	213	(2)
Insider's View Online	215	(1)
Mind Stretches	215	(1)
References	215	(2)
SECTION THREE: JOB-SEEKING STRATEGIES	217	(60)
The Application Process: Finding and Applying for Jobs	218	(21)
Introduction	218	(1)
Developing Your Job-Search Strategy	219	(1)
Where to Look for Job Openings	220	(5)
Newspapers	220	(1)
Specialty Periodicals and Other Publications	221	(1)
The Internet	222	(1)
Government Employment and Educational Placement Offices	223	(1)
Networking	224	(1)
Personal Inquiries	224	(1)
Telephone Inquiries	224	(1)
On Being Your Best	225	(1)
Contacts by Mail	226	(2)
Networking Basics	228	(1)
On Burning Bridges	229	(1)
You've Found an Opening and They've Asked You to Apply	229	(2)
The Application	230	(1)
Remember the Magic Words---Thank-You	231	(1)
Warning	232	(1)
Testing Your Careering Competencies	232	(2)
Conclusion	234	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Law Enforcement Jobs: Learning How to Get Them Takes the Same Skills Required to Do Them'' (Lombardi)	234	(4)
Insider's View Online	238	(1)
Mind Stretches	238	(1)
References	238	(1)
Additional Contacts and Sources of Information	238	(1)
Your Job-Seeking Uniform: Presenting Yourself as THE One to Hire	239	(16)
Introduction	239	(1)
The Employer's Investment	240	(1)
Elements of Your Job-Seeking Uniform	240	(1)
The Primacy Effect and the Five-Minute Barrier	241	(1)
Difficult Inquiries	242	(1)
Getting to Know Each Other	242	(1)
Before the Interview	242	(2)
Initial Contact	244	(1)
Clothing and Grooming	244	(2)
Physical Condition	246	(1)
Grammar and Speech	247	(1)
Body Language, Composure and Personality	248	(1)
Manners	248	(1)
Enthusiasm	249	(1)
Knowledge	249	(1)
Follow-Up	250	(1)
Planning Your Interview Strategy	251	(1)
Conclusion	252	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Presenting Yourself as THE One to Hire'' (Maples)	252	(1)
Insider's View Online	253	(1)
Mind Stretches	253	(1)
References	253	(2)
The Interview: A Closer Look	255	(22)
Introduction	255	(1)
Purposes of the Job Interview	256	(4)
The Purposes---Up Close	256	(4)
Types of Interviews	260	(2)
Informational Interviews	260	(1)
Mass Interviews	260	(1)
Stress Interviews	261	(1)
``Unnecessary'' Interviews	262	(1)
Courtesy Interviews	262	(1)
Teleconferencing and Video Interviews---A New Twist	262	(2)
Typical Questions	264	(5)
Practice, Practice, Practice	269	(1)
Negotiating	269	(1)
Closing the Interview	270	(1)
Follow-Up	270	(1)
Making a Decision	271	(1)
A Quick Review	272	(1)
Conclusion	273	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Your Turn to Star'' (Chaffee)	273	(2)
Insider's View Online	275	(1)
Mind Stretches	275	(1)
References	275	(1)
Additional Contacts and Sources of Information	276	(1)
SECTION FOUR: YOUR FUTURE IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION	277	(42)
At Last! You've Got the Job! Congratulations!!!	278	(10)
Introduction	278	(1)
Keep Trying	279	(1)
Be Appropriate	279	(1)
Know Nothing	280	(1)
Wait Until You Are Asked	280	(1)
Understand Politics	281	(1)
Accept Criticism Maturely	282	(1)
Be Yourself	283	(1)
Maintain Yourself	283	(2)
Conclusion	285	(1)
Your Game Plan for Excelling on the Job	285	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Surviving Probation'' (Miller)	285	(1)
Insider's View Online	286	(1)
Mind Stretches	286	(1)
References	287	(1)
The Career Ladder: Insights Into Promotions and Job Change	288	(17)
Introduction	288	(1)
Promotions: What They Are and Where They Are	289	(1)
Motivations for Seeking Change	289	(1)
Similar Skills	290	(1)
Increasing Your Chances for Promotion---Preparation Is Key	291	(3)
A Final Note on Broadening Your Experience and Education	294	(1)
Networking and Other Valuable Promotion-Seeking Tools	295	(1)
Advancement in the Other Protective Services	296	(3)
Improving Promotional Interview Performance	299	(2)
Conclusion	301	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Making the Most of Your Law Enforcement Career'' (Beckman)	301	(2)
Insiders' Views Online	303	(1)
Mind Stretches	303	(1)
References	303	(2)
Job Loss and Change: The Road Less Traveled	305	(14)
Introduction	305	(1)
The Identity Crisis	306	(1)
Why Is Having a Strategy So Important?	307	(1)
The Myths and Hard Truths About Work	307	(2)
The Myths	307	(2)
The Hard Truths	309	(1)
Developing a Strategy	309	(1)
The Sequential Reaction to Job Loss and Change	310	(2)
Managing the Responses	311	(1)
Dealing with Depression	312	(1)
Gotta Get Working	313	(1)
To Sue or Not to Sue	314	(1)
Conclusion	315	(1)
An Insider's View: ``Job Loss and Grief'' (Obershaw)	315	(1)
Insiders' Views Online	316	(1)
Mind Stretches	317	(1)
References	317	(1)
Additional Contacts and Sources of Information	317	(2)
Epilogue	319	(15)
Appendixes
A IACP Police Code of Conduct	320	(2)
B ASIS Security Code of Ethics	322	(2)
C Resume Worksheets	324	(5)
D Sample Resumes	329	(3)
E Sample Cover Letter and Follow-Up Letter	332	(2)
Author Index	334	(2)
Subject Index	336