For this assignment, I will highlight three possible areas within criminal justice (career choices/decisions) that I am currently very interested in. At no other time in the history of criminal justice has the discipline encompassed so many extremely diverse fields, specifically geared toward dealing with all aspects of crime and criminal activity. During this semester, I had the privilege of learning more about the field of criminal justice, as well as the possible options and offerings of each career field. Specifically, disciplines (fields) of interest that I may be interested in pursuing after my time as a "patrol officer" are becoming a "Fish & Game Warden, a State Police officer, or a member of the Department of Homeland Security, especially getting a job in the US Border Patrol Say no to plagiarism Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned" Get an original essay Each of these specialties, although they are all part of the industry of criminal justice, has different requirements, as well as duties, pay scales (salary) continuing educational requirements and, most importantly, service functions. Specifically, the “Fish & Game Warden Officers, work to enforce fisheries laws, the hunting and recreational boating as well as patrolling, hunting grounds, fishing areas, conducting field search and rescue operations, actively investigating visitor complaints and incidents, as well as assisting in assisting in the prosecution of court cases in cases where their jurisdiction requires them to do so” (International Association of Chiefs of Police and Matrix Group International, Inc. (2008). I believe I would like to pursue this career field (option) because, overall, I like the "great outdoors" and so getting an occupation that gets you outdoors (like being an Officer Fish & Game Warden) seems be a great job that could work to achieve personal “homeostasis” as if you were Scientists are well aware that outdoor activity is less stressful overall than working in other environments. The requirements to become a Fish & Game Warden officer are simple. To begin the career, an individual must be between the ages of 18 and 21. “Persons applying for a federal game warden job through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must be between the ages of 21 and 36” (How to Become a Wildlife Officer. (2014, February). Additionally, a Applicant must be a United States citizen, possess a valid driver's license (also knowing how to drive various motor vehicles such as a boat, bicycle or ATF is positive for this position. Applicant must have no prior convictions for felonies, misdemeanors, or domestic violence and must undergo successful completion of a criminal background check, as well as a mental/physical health evaluation. However, most U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prefer applicants who possess a bachelor's degree "(How to Become a Wildlife Officer. (2014, February). The degree. may be in the field of criminal justice itself or be obtained in "Natural Resource Conservation, Wildlife Conservation, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science and fish and wildlife management” (How to Become a Wildlife Officer). (2014, February). Additionally, in some states/jurisdictions, a Fish & Game Warden is subject to workforce training (hours to complete) that varies from state to state. Furthermore, most states and agencies (both astate and federal levels) require courses and training on the application of general law (criminal justice). Course programs best suited for this profession generally include a "combination of lecture courses, laboratory work, and field experience." (How to Become a Wildlife Officer. (2014, February). The “salary” for a “Fish and Game Warden” varies depending on whether or not an individual works for a state, local, or federal agency, as well as the state in Fish and Game wardens are generally paid highest in Illinois ($88,270 annual salary), then New Jersey ($82,800) followed by Maryland ($74,620), then California ($72,630) and finally from Tennessee (68,070) (US Department of Labor). & US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016, March 30). Likewise, the states with the highest employment rate (concentration rate) for this choice of career are found primarily in “Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Maine, and Idaho” (U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016, March 30). These states, however, pay their “Fish and Game Wardens.” only between $40,000 and $55,000 (annual salary), while the benefits of being a “Fish and Game Warden” include but may not be limited to “paid time off, holidays, sick leave, overtime compensation, health benefits /vision and dental (for themselves and their families) (McKinney, Q. (2016). Another specialization (criminal justice department (career) ) that I am also interested in is “State Police”. I am interested in this form of duty and civil service in the field of criminal justice because the State Police (in all states) are constantly in the field, working with people, expressing concern for the lives and safety of others, as well as being “Prosocial”. In short, State Police have more individualized powers than regular police officers in police departments across the United States, but they also have better abilities to put their power to good use for the benefit of the people. Furthermore, the State Police have no limited jurisdiction in their respective states unlike regular police officers, so they do not need any special "authorization" when it comes to both helping and intervening as it refers to helping both bystanders than fellow police officers. I myself am a very helpful and highly “pro-social” person, so doing things for others seems like a great match as far as being a “State Police officer” goes. The work of State Police officers largely consists of "arresting criminals, actively patrolling highways, as well as enforcing both motor vehicle laws" (International Association of Chiefs of Police and Matrix Group International, Inc. (2008).This of course includes but is not limited to checking suspects' license, registration and proof of car insurance. State police throughout the country also have the authority to issue "traffic citations". to careless drivers as well as making "accident/incident reports, directly", traffic when necessary, providing first aid assistance when protocol requires (may "call" emergency services), working as investigators on crimes, performing various tasks of the administrative department and even perform court-ordered/state police-related duties very vital role in the American criminal justice system, as they also help “provide comprehensive law enforcement services, especially in rural areas or small towns” (International Association of Chiefs of Police and Matrix Group International, Inc. (2008). The requirements to become a“State Police Officer” in any of the states within the union are very different and vary depending on both the state and the agency by which an individual is hired. However, to begin with, the applicant must be at least 18 years old, have completed a GED program or have a high school diploma, have a current valid driver's license accompanied by a clean driving record (this means no DUI, excessive speed, parking or other state tickets), as well as having no criminal history, domestic violence issues, or any convictions involving "public corruption" or "illegal drug history." Again, it is very important to keep in mind that some specific requirements may vary from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the latter mentioned are the most basic requirements. Finally, all State Police Officers will have to submit to the "Polygraph Test", as well as a very thorough background check (which very often includes but is not limited to checking past work history, general reputation and even financial situation such as score credit/reports). Furthermore, State Police officers must also undergo oral interviews and various tests that “evaluate” participants' intelligence in mathematics, reading and writing. Physical fitness tests must also be passed and include, but are not limited to, "long and short runs, push-ups, sit-ups, and successful completion of multiple weapons shooting exercises and flexibility tests." (Lawenforcementedu.net, (2016). Furthermore, to obtain employment as a State Police officer it is also necessary to carry out a medical examination including hearing tests, vision tests and an in-depth psychological evaluation to be sure that the individual who does applying for the state police officer position is actually mentally capable of withstanding the high amount of stress that accompanies the career. The “average state police officer (entry level) earns approximately $45,000 per year” ( Lawenforcementedu.net, (). 2016). Finally, the last department I might be interested in after my work as a patrol officer is perhaps working for the “Department of Homeland Security”, specifically becoming a “patrol officer”. border of the United States.” I am very interested in these potential career positions because, I believe that by working in this section of the criminal justice field, it would allow me to not only help better serve my community and my state. , but also the American people and our personal (best) interests as a nation! Specifically a “US Border Patrol agents protect more than 8,000 miles of international land and water borders” (http://discoverpolicing.org/whats_like/?fa=types_careers). The basic requirements to become a U.S. Border Patrol agent include, but are not limited to, being a citizen of the United States, as well as honing highly developed "interpersonal skills, judgment, and problem-solving skills" (basic qualifications and requirements doctors for Border Patrol Agents (2014, May 16). All the other agencies I have mentioned in this article, to become a US Border Patrol agent you must also have a valid driver's license from your respective state. how to pass the CBP border patrol entrance exam, which consists of three main parts of the test. These three sections of the exam cover an individual's logical reasoning skills, as well as other personality traits and intelligence , US Border Patrol agents are required to be bilingual (speaking Spanish and English For those)... (2003).