A degree in criminal justice can help you make a difference in your own life as well as the lives of those around you. Whether you decide to become a police officer, work in a prison or work for a government agency, you can shape policy, help steer others from a life of crime and make your community a better place to live.
Work With Young People in Your Community
As a police officer, you can work with the young people in your community to teach them why it is important to stay in school and get good grades. When you are able to reach kids when they are young, they are more likely to grow up trusting police officers and feel safe when talking to them. You never know when a tip from a community member could be the break needed to solve a case or prevent a crime. When a child has a relationship with law enforcement, it is more likely that the child will want to avoid doing anything to harm it like committing a crime.
Even Prisoners Can Change Their Ways
While it may not be a good policy to become friends with those in jail, a corrections officer may be a good influence on some prisoners. If only a small percentage of them see the error in their ways and change their lives, it could significantly reduce the amount of crime in the country. It may also lead to these former criminals reaching out and wanting to help others before they get too far along a dangerous path.
Stop Crime Before It Happens
Working with the government, you can help make sure that terrorists don’t have the time or opportunity to strike on United States soil. You may also be able to work on immigration policy or other issues regarding who gets to enter the country and why they may enter. Over time, you may be able to work your way into high-profile positions within the government such as heading a department or working with leaders overseas.
Getting your degree from a top school of criminal justice can help you succeed in many ways. You can work in your community, help your community through a government job or help to reform those who have committed crimes in the past. Regardless of how you do it, you will be making a difference that others will notice.