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Careers in Criminal Justice
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Careers in Criminal Justice

Second
  • Coy H. Johnston - Arizona State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice


February 2018 | 248 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Careers in Criminal Justice, Second Edition prepares students to plan, pursue, and realize their career goals—from conception through the hiring process. Coy H. Johnston’s contemporary approach emphasizes student self-reflection and pragmatism in the pursuit of self-fulfillment and professionalism. With coverage of over forty careers in policing, courts, corrections, and victim services, students receive a comprehensive overview of the most popular and growing careers in the field. Self-assessment tools enhance the student’s self-awareness and steer them toward realistic and suitable careers in criminal justice. This easy-to-read guide is organized to prepare and encourage growth throughout the student’s career.

New to the Second Edition:

  • A new chapter titled “Volunteering and Internship” (Chapter 9) guides readers through the importance and process of early involvement in the field to create a more enticing resume.
  • Three new “Guest Speaker” profiles offer students new perspectives and practical advice for a variety of careers and geographical areas.
  • New career assessment tools are included to help students realize their compatibility with various careers in the criminal justice field.
  • Expanded coverage of information in critical areas such as private prisons, careers in the judiciary, and resume building ensure students are receiving a balanced introduction to criminal justice careers.

Free Poster: What can you do with a Criminal Justice degree?


 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
SECTION 1: PLANNING
 
Chapter 1: Know Yourself
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

 
Guest Speaker: Steve Palmer, FBI Special Agent

 
Self-Assessments

 
 
Chapter 2. Setting Realistic Goals
Set Realistic Goals

 
Issues in Police Work

 
Issues in the Judicial System

 
Issues in Corrections

 
Guest Speaker: Brian Cole, Director of Corrections

 
The Realities of Working in Criminal Justice

 
Change

 
The Search for Happiness

 
 
SECTION 2: PURSUING
 
Chapter 3. Law Enforcement
Local Law Enforcement

 
Guest Speaker: Jan Strauss, Retired Police Chief

 
Federal Law Enforcement

 
Diversity in Law Enforcement

 
Experience

 
 
Chapter 4. Forensic Science
Crime Scene Technicians

 
Forensic Scientist

 
Medical Examiner

 
Investigative Technician

 
Criminalist

 
Forensic Nurse Examiner

 
Forensic Psychiatrist

 
Forensic Interviewer

 
Forensic Entomologist

 
Diversity in Forensic Science

 
 
Chapter 5. Victim Services
Domestic Violence Coalitions

 
Police Departments

 
Guest Speaker: Gina McAlister, Victim Services Specialist

 
Courts and Prosecutors’ Offices

 
Hospitals

 
Other Victim Service Programs

 
Diversity in Victim Services

 
 
Chapter 6. Courts
Law School

 
The Job Search

 
Law Careers

 
Careers that Do Not Require a Law Degree

 
Diversity in Law Careers

 
 
Chapter 7. Corrections
State Correctional Officer

 
County Detention Officer

 
City Jailer

 
Guest Speaker: Julie Glover, Sergeant, San Diego Sheriff’s Department

 
Parole and Probation Officers

 
Juvenile Rehabilitation Specialist

 
Home Detention Officer

 
Probation Aide

 
Parole Board Hearing Officer

 
Private Prisons

 
Diversity in Corrections

 
 
Chapter 8. Private Security and Investigations
Security Officer

 
Private Investigator

 
Loss Prevention

 
Armed Security Guard

 
Diversity Issues in Private Security

 
 
SECTION 3: PREPARING
 
Chapter 9. Volunteering and Internships
Law Enforcement

 
Courts

 
Corrections

 
Diversity in Volunteering and Internships

 
 
Chapter 10. Getting a Foot in the Door
Portfolios

 
Guest Speaker: Colton Johnston, Attorney and Law Clerk

 
Interview Preparation

 
Firearms

 
Physical Fitness

 
Education and Grades

 
The LSAT

 
The Application Form

 
Written Tests

 
Psychological Tests

 
 
Chapter 11. The Interview
Punctuality

 
Appearance

 
Body Language

 
Introductions

 
Sample Oral Board Questions

 
Do’s and Don’ts

 
A Personal Note to Minorities, Women, and LGBTQ Individuals

 
A Note to Law Students

 
 
Index

Supplements

Student Study Site

The open-access Student Study Site includes content from the previous edition of the book, and some content may not be compatible with the new edition:

  • Carefully selected, video links feature relevant interviews, lectures, personal stories, inquiries, and other content for use in independent or classroom-based explorations of key topics.
  • Web resources are included for further research and insights.
  • Chapter-specific Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides that highlight essential content and  features from the book.

“This text is cover-to-cover great advice from someone who knows his way around the criminal justice job market.”

Kelley Christopher
University of West Georgia

“Engaging Writing Style: Personal touch—directed to reader”

Paul M. Lucko
Murray State University

I am using this text in conjunction with Grubb and Hemby, Effective Communication in Criminal Justice. This text has been very help in getting my students to focus more closely on their career choice and the skills and knowledge required to get there.

Professor Frank Plunkett
Criminal Justice, Peirce College
August 20, 2020
Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

  • A new chapter titled “Volunteering and Internship” (Chapter 9) guides readers through the important process of early involvement in the field to create a more enticing resume.
  • Three new “Guest Speaker” profiles offer students new perspectives and practical advice on a variety of careers and geographical areas.
  • New career assessment tools are included to help students evaluate their compatibility with various careers in the criminal justice field.
  • Expanded information about critical areas such as private prisons, careers in the judiciary, and resume building ensures that students are receiving a balanced introduction to criminal justice careers.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Guest Speakers from various professions in criminal justice are featured in every chapter to offer information on their career path and advice for future practitioners.
  • The book is organized into three parts to help readers throughout the development of their careers: planning a realistic path, pursuing the dream career, and preparing for the hiring process. 
  • A personality/career test offers students the opportunity to discover what types of careers may be a good fit. 
  • An emphasis on diversity highlights the changing demographics in the field, as well as new opportunities for women and minorities.
  • Expert advice for job preparation and interviewing success helps students become more confident when applying for jobs.    
  • An in-depth tutorial on how to answer scenario-based questions provides insight into information rarely discussed in criminal justice courses.

For instructors

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