Exploring and Understanding Careers in Criminal Justice: A Comprehensive Guide

Criminal justice careers typically fall into one of two categories: law enforcement or legal. But contrary to what many may know about the career opportunities in criminal justice, it is more than just becoming a cop or a lawyer. In Exploring and Understanding Careers and Opportunities in Criminal Justice, Matthew J. Sheridan and Raymond R. Rainville provide a practical, comprehensive guide that easily explains the extensive operations and the scope of employment possibilities and opportunities in the criminal justice profession. They cover many criminal justice functions and career paths that are seldom discussed when preparing for a career in criminal justice. Rainville and Sheridan focus on how to obtain employment in a career field that fits personal strengths and aspirations and emphasize the value of internships and service learning as tools to obtain the desired position.

A career in criminal justice is a process of many potential outcomes. The career professional who plans, continues personal development, and prepares their career path will discover many potential rewards that include satisfaction during and after their career. The field of criminal justice will continue to expand and grow. Legislative mandates will promote new policies and employment opportunities to keep pace with changes and improvements in criminal justice practices to meet needs that enable the career professional to protect and serve. As the title suggests, anyone interested in exploring and understanding the field of criminal justice and the opportunities it can provide needs to read this book. Sheridan and Rainville make it known that there are more options in the field of criminal justice than you thought, and that the process for obtaining employment and developing the career path you desire most can be done!

Matthew J. Sheridan, EdD, has more than 35 years of experience with the New Jersey Departments of Corrections, Human Services, and Law and Public Safety. He currently teaches Criminal Justice at Georgian Court University and is the director of the Internship Program. He has more than 20 years of experience teaching Corrections, Criminology, and Criminal Justice.

Raymond R. Rainville, PhD, is currently Associate Professor of the Department of Criminal Justice at St. Peters University. He retired from probation services after 33 years. Rainville combines his professional experience with his duties at the university to guide students to select appropriate majors that meet with their personal goals; guiding them through the job selection and application process.