Out of the Line of Fire: Safe Work in the Legal System

Maybe you have an interest in law enforcement, criminology or the legal system, but aren’t quite sure that you want to risk your life each time you go to work for the day. If you don’t want to be a police officer, you don’t have to be; there are dozens of jobs within the legal system that are much safer. If you want to stay out of the line of fire, here are five careers that are on the rise:

1.Paralegal

As a paralegal, you’re work closely with lawyers, putting your research skills to work. You’ll be an integral part of the legal system, helping to defend or prosecute the accused. You don’t have to be licensed to be a paralegal, so educational requirements vary by law firm. While you can get lucky and get your foot in the door with no experience, most attorneys prefer that you have a bachelor’s degree.

2.Private Investigator

No one would say that being a private investigator is 100 percent safe, but when you work for yourself you have your choice of assignments. Many private investigators work for corporations, law firms and other businesses. You may be asked to investigate insurance fraud, workman’s compensation claims or even follow an employee suspected of embezzling funds from the company. One thing is certain: Your life as a private investigator will never be dull.

3.Forensic Science Tech

If you have an addiction to “CSI” or “NCIS” you may be interested in becoming a forensic science technician. While you won’t be performing the same futuristic lab work as you see on television, you will play a vital role in solving violent crimes. As a forensic science tech, you will enjoy personal fulfillment and job satisfaction as a member of a team tasked with bringing justice to victims; just don’t expect things to happen as quickly as they do on your favorite shows.

4.Probation Officer

Whether you enter the world of adult probation or work with juvenile offenders, you’ll be responsible for making sure that offenders are reintegrated into society properly. You will be given the jobs of making sure that your client secures and maintains employment, attends counseling sessions as mandated by the court, and follows through with any other court sentences that are handed down. As a probation officer, you will work closely with both court and law enforcement officials to ensure that your client is following the letter of the law.

5.Correctional Treatment Specialist

If you’ve never heard of this occupation, or you’re confusing it with correctional officer, you aren’t alone. Unless you’ve broken the law and been through prison yourself, you’ve never had a need for one of these specialists. A correctional treatment specialist is the person who makes sure that ex-offenders are safe, and that the members of the general public are protected. These professionals ensure that released offenders are integrated and rehabilitated in an effective manner.

You don’t have to spend a shift worried about getting killed in order to work in the legal system. There are dozens of jobs within law enforcement that don’t involve strapping on body armor. If you have an interest in law and the legal system, any of the career paths above would be an excellent choice.

Editor’s Note: Chantel Leck is an avid blogger. If you’re interested in solving crime without putting yourself in danger, check out various careers possible with a criminal justice degree. UC has a great online masters in criminal justice degree program.

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