Types of Federal Criminal Justice Jobs
When most people think of federal Criminal Justice jobs they often think of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) or Secret Service. There is much more to federal law enforcement than these, especially since the 9/11 2001 attacks. With more emphasis on Homeland Security and a heightened awareness of the need for improved public safety jobs in this sector are expected to grow at least 10 per cent over the next 5 years. Some of the federal criminal justice jobs, including newer positions, are listed here:
U.S. Capitol Police Officer
United States Capitol Police provide security for the United States Capitol Building. Their primary responsibility is protecting life and property; preventing and investigating criminal acts; and enforcing traffic regulations. They are also responsible for protecting Members of Congress, the U. S. Senate, House of Representatives, and their families.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent
ATF Special Agents criminal justice jobs involve investigating violations of federal law relating to firearms, explosives, arson and alcohol and tobacco diversion. These investigations involve surveillance, participation in raids, interviewing suspects and witnesses, making arrests, obtaining search warrants, and searching for physical evidence.
Border Patrol Agent
The U.S. Border Patrol prevents terrorists and their weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, from entering the United States. They are responsible for locating and arresting illegal aliens and their smugglers near the land border. Border Patrol agents patrol nearly 6,000 miles of land borders between Mexican and Canada and over 2,000 miles of coastal waters around the Florida Peninsula and Puerto Rico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer
Customs and Border Protection Officers are armed uniformed officers who ensure the safety of our nation’s international airports, seaports or land border crossings. Their responsibility is to prevent crimes such as weapons trafficking, smuggling in drugs and other prohibited items and other customs violations. CBP Officers interact with travelers arriving from overseas, as well as inspect luggage and airborne cargo in international airports.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent
One of the most widely recognized criminal justice jobs FBI Special Agents investigate and prosecute threats of terrorism as well as counterintelligence, Internet and white-collar crime, public corruption, organized crime, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, air piracy, inter-state criminal activity, drug-trafficking and other violations, especially as relate to national security.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Special Agent & Refuge Officer
Another of the better-known criminal justice jobs is with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Officers and agents are trained criminal investigators who enforce wildlife laws throughout the United States. They conduct investigations which may include activities such as surveillance, undercover work, seizing contraband, making arrests, and preparing cases for court. Refuge law enforcement officers protect wildlife from poaching and ensure the safety of visitors to the national wildlife refuges.
Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent
DEA Special Agents enforce the controlled substances (drugs and narcotics) laws and regulations of the United States of America. Through infiltration and other surveillance activities they bring to justice organizations involved in the manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs.
Internal Revenue Service Special Agent
The law enforcement arm of the IRS investigates criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes. Special Agents find criminals or crimes by tracking money as well as perform online and other types of investigations. They function as investigative accountants and must also be proficient with computers and Internet.
U.S. Secret Service Special Agent
One of the most important federal criminal justice jobs is the Secret Service .Agents protect the President and the Vice President along with their immediate families as well as former Presidents, their spouses and children under age 16. Visiting heads of foreign states and their spouses traveling with them and major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and their spouses also fall under Secret Service protection. Agents also safeguard the United States’ payment and financial systems, including investigate the counterfeiting of U.S. currency, stolen government checks and credit card fraud. They work with the FBI and investigate white collar crimes that involve financial institution fraud.
U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Officer
Uniformed Division Officers provide protection for the White House Complex, the Vice-President’s residence, the Main Treasury Building and Annex, and foreign diplomatic missions and embassies in the Washington, DC area. Uniformed Division Officers also travel in support of the Presidential, Vice-Presidential, and foreign heads of state.
Transportation Security Administration Air Marshal
Federal Air Marshals ensure the safety of air passengers and are the main law enforcement arm within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Air Marshals are deployed in plain-clothes on both international and domestic flights.
