Careers in Law

This portion of the Street Law Web site describes some legal careers. The information is based on the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/). This Occupational Outlook Handbook site is an excellent resource for locating basic information on all types of careers. Updated annually, the Occupational Outlook Handbook contains information for each major profession on the nature of the work, working conditions, qualifications and training, job outlook, earnings, and related occupations, as well as additional sources of information. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is usually available in school and public libraries, as well as online.

Examples of legal careers are listed below. Please click on the link to access information including a description, requirements, working conditions, salary information, and future outlook. Salary estimates are based on data from 2003.

Attorney
Corrections Officer
Court Reporter
Forensic Scientist
Judge
Legal Assistant (Paralegal)
Local Law Enforcement Officers: Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff
Private Detective/Investigator
Private Security Guard
Probation or Parole Officer
State Law Enforcement: Highway Patrol Officer
U.S. Government Law Enforcement Officers
   U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Agent
   Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Agent
   Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent
   Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Agent
   Secret Service Agent
   Deputy U.S. Marshal
   Customs Inspectors
   Transportation Security Screener
   U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Agent

Attorney

Job Description
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Special Skills
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Job Description
Attorneys, or lawyers, who practice law do two major things. First, they advise individuals and organizations about ways of preventing legal problems by informing them of their legal rights and responsibilities. Second, lawyers provide counsel if their clients do get into legal difficulty. In providing these services, attorneys conduct legal research, prepare documents, write briefs, interview parties and witnesses to legal problems, and advocate their clients' cases both in and out of court. (However, while many people think of lawyers in terms of trials, few licensed attorneys actually try cases in court.)

Most lawyers are employed in private practice, although many work for government agencies and corporations. Some have general law practices, which involve matters such as writing wills and contracts. Others specialize in one or two legal areas, such as criminal law, labor law, property law, family law, contract law, environmental law, international law, or tax law. Still others work with legal services programs representing poor people. A small number of lawyers are judges, while some attorneys also use their legal knowledge to teach classes in law schools and colleges. In addition, a significant number of individuals who hold government positions at the local, state, and federal levels are also licensed attorneys.

Education
To become a licensed attorney, one must attend four years of college and receive a bachelor's degree and then attend a three-year college of law approved by the American Bar Association. Years ago, some studied law by working with certified lawyers instead of attending law school. Today, this is extremely rare.

Each attorney candidate must also pass all parts of the bar exam in the state in which he or she wishes to establish a practice. Finally, except in a few states where graduation from the state's law school qualifies one to practice law, an attorney candidate must also pass a national test, the multistate bar examination.

College classes helpful in preparation for the practice of law include writing, speech, foreign languages, logic, computers, philosophy, history, government, mathematics, business, word processing, and accounting, as well as others.

Special Skills
The practice of law is a demanding profession. Among the essential skills a person must bring to the profession is an ability to work efficiently under pressure while relating in a positive manner to people. An attorney must be a good listener as well as a good communicator. Attorneys must be able to think and write precisely and logically and must be able to give clear, concise directions to clients and co-workers. They must also be able to meet strict deadlines and maintain the confidentiality of clients' communications and have a good knowledge of computers.

Salary and Benefits
The starting salary and benefits for an attorney differ widely depending on the location of the practice and the size and type of the law firm. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,590, while at least 10 percent earned more than $145,600. In 2003, the average salary for attorneys working in the state government averaged $64,190 per year, while attorneys in the federal government earned $87,080. Most salaried lawyers are provided health and life insurance, and contributions are made on their behalf to retirement plans. Partners in large law firms, as well as some other lawyers, can make very substantial salaries.

Working Conditions
Lawyers do their work in offices, libraries, and courts of law. They may also visit businesses, government offices, prisons, and homes in the process of doing work for their clients.

The pressures of developing a practice are great in this profession. There is a tremendous amount of paperwork. Many lawyers work more than 40 hours a week. Preparation for court includes keeping abreast of the latest laws and judicial decisions.

Outlook
In 2000, lawyers held about 681,000 jobs. Attaining a position in a law firm is extremely competitive. The most attractive candidates have superior academic records from well-regarded law schools, as well as work experience.

Employment of lawyers is expected to grow about as fast as the average of all other occupations through 2010. Continuing demand will result primarily from growth in the population and in the general level of business activities. Legal action in the following areas has caused the growth in demand for legal counsel: healthcare, intellectual property, international law, elder law, environmental law, and sexual harassment.

For More Information:

Information Services
American Bar Association
750 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 988-5000
Web site: www.abanet.org

The ABA site has references for legal assistance, legal publications, legal service plans, and, for students, a special site containing educational materials about the law.

For more information on law schools:

Association of American Law Schools
1201 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20036-2605
(202) 296-8851
(202) 296-8869 (fax)
Web site: www.aals.org

Corrections Officer

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
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Job Description
Corrections officers, also known as prison guards, are responsible for maintaining the security of the prison or correctional facility where they work. These officers supervise prisoners as the prisoners work, eat, sleep, attend educational classes, or participate in recreation. They operate electronic security systems. Corrections officers are also responsible for the security of the prison when the prisoners receive visitors and when the prisoners travel to and from the correctional facility.

Education
The hiring requirements for corrections officers are not as extensive as for other careers in the legal field. All that is required in many areas is a high-school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Once hired, corrections officers may participate in training programs that prepare them for their duties.

Special Skills
Corrections officers must be in good health and meet the standards of physical fitness, hearing, and eyesight. In addition, they also need strong observational skills to help detect changes in prisoners' behavior that might affect the security of the prison. It also helps to have good interpersonal skills in order to reduce tension among the many different personalities found in the prison population.

Salary and Benefits
Most corrections officers work for government agencies responsible for operating jails and prisons. However, some now work for private companies that have received contracts from the government to operate correctional facilities. Most government employers provide health and retirement benefits. The lowest 10 percent of corrections officers earned less than $20,010, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,310. Beginning pay for federal officers was slightly higher than at the state and local levels with an average pay of about $31,500.

Working Conditions
Correctional officers generally work 40-hour weeks with rotating shifts. They work both indoors and outdoors in correctional facilities, depending on the job requirements. The work of a corrections officer may be stressful and even dangerous because of problems in dealing with inmates.

Outlook
The need to replace correctional officers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force, coupled with rising employment demand, has heightened the demand for correctional officers through 2010. The expansion and addition of correctional facilities increases the employment opportunities for correctional officers at a faster than average pace.

For More Information:

The American Correctional Association
4380 Forbes Boulevard
Lanham, MD 20706-4322
(301) 918-1800
Web site: www.aca.org

This Web site contains information regarding jobs in the corrections field and publications concerning issues facing corrections officers.

American Jail Association
2053 Day Road, Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21742
(301) 790-3930
(301) 790-2941 (fax)
Web site: www.corrections.com/aja

This Web site contains information about the AJA, its publications, and hot links to the Corrections Connections Network, a detailed site with links to state, federal, and international correctional information sites.

Court Reporter

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
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Job Description
A court reporter keeps the record of the court proceedings. This means that the reporter takes down every "official" word said in court. Court reporters often take down what is said at speeds of up to 200 words per minute.

The trial court record is the basis of all appeals to appellate courts. Lawyers making appeals base their arguments on exactly what has been stated in the trial court. Appeals court justices write their opinions based on the transcripts of the trial courts as well as what has been argued on appeal. Thus, the accurate work of court reporters is vital to an effective judicial system.

Court reporters also take down depositions, interrogatories, and other parts of pretrial proceedings. They are often called upon to take down what is said at public hearings as well by using computers or computer aided transcription (CAT). This work electronically ties a stenotype machine to a computer, which turns the reporter's notes into readable print.

Education
To become a court reporter, one must attend court-reporting school or a similar program given by a community college or university. The duration of these programs varies from two to four years, depending on the type of degree or certificate offered. In a court-reporting program, students learn court-reporting language and develop skill in using the court-reporting machine, or stenotype. Classes in various types of law, English, keyboarding, computers, and medical terminology form the core of the curriculum.

Special Skills
Persons who wish to attend court-reporting school should have an excellent command of the English language, good hearing, general knowledge of computers and extremely strong typing and keyboarding skills. They must be good listeners since they must sit and concentrate for long periods of time.

Salary and Benefits
Court reporters can work for the courts, freelance for different businesses, or do both. The lowest paid 10 percent of court reporters earned less than $18,750, while the highest paid 10 percent earned over $69,060. Compensation may vary depending on the type of reporting jobs, individual's experience, level of certification, and region. Most employers offer medical insurance and a retirement package. Because this position is vital and requires great skill, the amount of money a court reporter earns can increase sharply as he or she becomes more proficient. Many salaried court reporters enhance their income through freelance work for which they are paid by a per-page fee.

Working Conditions
Most court reporters who work for courts follow the schedule of the court. This means most work 40-hour weeks, unless deadlines require that court transcripts be ready at a certain time. In this case, the court reporter must work overtime to get the work done.

Court reporters may work anywhere an official record is needed for a meeting or conference. They work in courts, law offices, businesses, or public buildings such as town halls and legislatures. Self-employed reporters may work on a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, or an on-call basis.

Outlook
The opportunities available for court reporters are expected to grow as fast as the average for occupations through 2010. Opportunities are also available in providing captions for live or prerecorded television as well as other translating services for the deaf and hearing-impaired community. People with court reporting skills can also find work as medical/legal transcriptionists.

For More Information:

National Court Reporters Association
8224 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, VA 22182-3808
(800) 272-6272 or (703) 556-6272
Web site: www.ncraonline.org

This site contains a detailed account of the responsibilities of court reporting including explanations about computer aided transcription (CAT), captioning careers, cyber-conferencing, scopists, rapid data entry transcription, and medical and medical/legal transcriptionists.

Forensic Scientist

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
Working Conditions
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Job Description
Forensic scientists collect and analyze evidence found at crime scenes. Specifically, they analyze blood, saliva, semen, drugs, fingerprints, and firearms and perform reconstructions on skeletal bones. Forensic scientists also confer with law enforcement personnel and attorneys on evidence collection, preserve evidence, write reports, and testify in court. The scientific analysis of evidence often proves critical in determining the innocence or guilt of a person accused of a crime. Thus, forensic scientists play a vital role in the criminal justice process.

Education
Entry-level jobs in forensic science require a four-year degree in one of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, genetics, or medical technology. Communication arts and law classes are considered helpful. Some crime labs also require laboratory experience.

Special Skills
A forensic scientist works with many different kinds of people, often under stressful circumstances. Thus, it is essential for a person in this field to have good "people" skills. Because forensic scientists must complete many reports and make court appearances, they must be capable writers and good speakers. Finally, forensic scientists must be able to manipulate tiny bits of evidence under a microscope which requires excellent hand-eye coordination.

Salary and Benefits
Forensic scientists generally work for state or federal crime laboratories. Because these positions are found primarily in government, some medical and retirement benefits are paid. Salaries may vary depending on education and experience. Median hourly wages for forensic scientists in 2000 were $18.04.

Working Conditions
As employees of the government, forensic scientists generally work 40-hour weeks. However, because of increasing caseloads and the need to meet deadlines, they may work extra hours.

Forensic scientists work primarily in the crime lab. However, they also go to the scene of the crime to examine and secure evidence, and they testify in court.

Outlook
Good forensic scientists are always in demand. However, because of pressures to reduce government funding, beginning positions are usually limited, and competition for them is keen. Opportunities for forensic scientists are expected to grow as fast as the average for all other occupations through 2010.

For More Information:

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
P.O. Box 669
410 North 21st Street, Suite 203
Colorado Springs, CO 80901
(719) 636-1100
(719) 636-1993 (fax)
Web site: www.aafs.org

This site explains the main disciplines of forensic science and provides links to further reading on forensic science topics.

Judge

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
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Job Description
Judges interpret laws to resolve disputes between conflicting parties. There are two basic types of judges: trial judges and appellate judges.

Trial judges rule on pretrial motions, conduct pretrial hearings between parties to resolve points of conflict between the parties, and thereby make for more efficient trials. Trial judges also apply the rules of evidence during a trial and instruct juries before they deliberate. In trials without juries, they are also called upon to render a verdict.

Appellate judges review possible errors of law made by trial judges and write decisions, which then become part of common law, or judge-made law.

In addition, some judges, called administrative judges or hearing officers, are employed by administrative agencies to make decisions about conflicts involving the rules and regulations of particular government agencies.

Education
Judges must have graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must have passed the state's bar examination. This means that judges have had a minimum of seven years of education beyond high school. In addition, because most judges are appointed or elected to their positions, several years of establishing a reputation as a successful practitioner of law is considered essential.

The competition is usually great for judicial positions. Depending on the type of position, a committee of the local, state, or national bar association is asked to review the record of lawyer applicants and then make a recommendation to a public official, who makes the appointment. In some areas, political parties select candidates for judgeships. These individuals campaign on a particular platform, and the voters elect them to office.

(An exception to these requirements exists. The office of justice of the peace, which has some judicial responsibilities, need not be held by a lawyer in some states.)

Special Skills
Judges must be both very knowledgeable about the law and highly skilled in legal research. They must be excellent listeners and must have the ability to quickly analyze areas of dispute between opposing parties. Judges must have high ethical standards. They must also be able to write well and give precise instructions to all parties in the courtroom. Above all, they must be able to make sound decisions.

Salary and Benefits
The amount of money a judge makes depends on the type and location of the court where the judge presides. In 2001, federal trial court judges averaged over $145,100 a year, while federal appellate judges earned about $153,900. In 2000, salary for state government judges averaged $104,560 and local government judges averaged $50,150. Judges in state and federal systems have most of their medical and retirement benefits paid for by the court system.

Working Conditions
Judges work primarily in courtrooms, in law libraries, and in their chambers. Like the attorneys who practice in their courtrooms, judges often work much longer than 40 hours a week. In fact, because of the increasing amount of litigation, it is not unusual for judges to work 50 hours or more each week. The caseloads of trial judges in large urban areas have grown substantially over the last few decades. Consequently, the responsibilities are enormous, and the stress faced by judges in these areas is very great.

Outlook
Employment opportunities for judges will grow more slowly than the average occupations through 2010. Job opportunities arise as judges retire. Competition is fierce as the search for qualified candidates often involves political support. The prestige associated with a position on the bench is another factor in rising competition for employment.

For More Information:

American Judges Association
P.O. Box 8798
Williamsburg, VA 23187
(757) 259-1841
(757) 259-1520 (fax)
Web site: aja.ncsc.dni.us

This Web site contains publications about issues concerning the judiciary.

The National Judicial College
Judicial College Building/MS 358
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
(800) 25-JUDGE or (775) 784-6747
(775) 784-4234 (fax)
Web site: www.judges.org

This Web site contains information about recent issues facing judges and professional development and certificate programs available, as well as resources for research.

Legal Assistant (Paralegal)

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
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Job Description
Legal assistants, or paralegals, work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. They provide support services by drafting documents, interviewing clients, reviewing and updating files, doing legal research, assisting in the writing of legal briefs, and preparing trial notebooks.

Education
Paralegals are usually required to have had formal training in associate or bachelor's programs, or in a certificate program. Employers tend to prefer those with a four-year paralegal degree. Some employers prefer to have their paralegals trained "on the job."

As of 2003, there were 247 programs approved by the American Bar Association, and while this approval is not a requirement, it does make a candidate more appealing.

Special Skills
Legal assistants must prepare documents under the same time constraints as their supervising attorneys. Although they are closely supervised, legal assistants need to be able to write logically and precisely. Because they are often called on to interview clients, paralegals must also be excellent listeners and be able to relate to people from many different backgrounds. Knowledge of a foreign language can be useful. Legal assistants must be able to maintain a client's confidentiality. Proficiency in word processing, computers, and online legal research is also important in providing the legal assistant with the ability to assist attorneys.

Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits for paralegals range widely, depending on education, training, size and type of law office, location, and experience. The top 10 percent of paralegals earned more than $56,060, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $23,350. According to the National Association of Legal Assistants, paralegals had an average salary of $38,000 in 2000. In addition to salary, paralegals may receive bonuses.

Working Conditions
Like attorneys, paralegals do most of their work at desks in offices. They may also be called on to interview clients at homes and businesses and to assist attorneys in the courtroom. They generally work 40-hour weeks but may be called on to put in extra hours to meet various deadlines.

Outlook
Statistics from the Occupational Outlook Handbook indicate that the career of legal assistant is growing faster than the average of occupations through 2010. Despite projections of fast employment growth, there is great competition for jobs as the number of graduates of paralegal training programs and others seeking to enter the profession outpaces job growth.

For More Information:

Standing Committee on Legal Assistants
American Bar Association
750 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 988-5000
Web site: www.abanet.org

This is part of the American Bar Association's Web site where one can find a brief explanation of issues facing legal assistants.

National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.
1516 South Boston Street, Suite 200
Tulsa, OK 74119
(918) 587-6828
(918) 587-6772 (fax)
E-mail: nalanet@nala.org
Web site: www.nala.org

This Web site explains the functions of legal assistants, explains the national certification process, and lists programs that are of interest to paralegals.

National Federation of Paralegal Associations
2517 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 200
Seattle, Washington 98102
(206) 652-4120
(206) 652-4122 (fax)
E-mail: info@paralegals.org
Web site: www.paralegals.org

This Web site contains paralegal career information, qualifications for becoming a registered paralegal, and links to sites that deal with researching legal information and the availability of legal assistant jobs.

Local Law Enforcement Officers: Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
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Job Description
Police officers and sheriff's deputies help enforce the law. They are a community's primary defense against criminals. These law enforcement officials investigate crimes, gather and secure evidence to help prosecute criminals, make arrests, write detailed reports, assist citizens with specific emergencies, and testify in court.

Police officers work primarily in cities or towns, while the jurisdiction of deputies extends primarily to rural areas outside of cities where no police department exists. In larger cities, police work can be quite specialized, with officers specifically assigned to areas such as homicide, rape, or traffic. In smaller towns and in rural areas, where the incidence of crime and the number of law enforcement personnel are much lower, a police officer or sheriff's deputy often becomes a "jack of all trades," responding to a variety of emergencies.

Education
The education necessary to become a police officer or sheriff's deputy varies from area to area. In some larger areas, a four-year degree in criminal justice is required. In some small towns, only a high-school education is necessary. Increasingly, most areas are requiring some formal training, often a two-year associate degree. Classes taken often involve the study of criminal law, the criminal justice system, criminal investigation, corrections, community relations, and administration. Once hired, a law enforcement officer usually receives additional training at a state or federal law enforcement academy.

Special Skills
A law enforcement officer must have excellent communication skills. He or she must be able to speak clearly at the scene of a major accident and be able to write precise, understandable reports that can be explained in court. The officer must also be a good listener and decision maker and be able to use good judgment in stressful, dangerous situations. A background in foreign languages, accounting, business practices, and computers can be helpful. Knowledge of weapons and special driving skills are also important. Finally, law enforcement officers must be able to pass physical examinations involving agility, vision, and strength.

Salary and Benefits
The lowest 10 percent of police officers earned less than $23,790, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $58,900. The median police officer salary in 2000 was $39,790. Most departments offer special allowances for uniforms in addition to the benefits of paid vacation, sick leave, and medical and life insurance.

Working Conditions
The duties of a police officer or sheriff's deputy may take that officer anywhere within his or her jurisdiction. This means an officer may patrol a regular beat; visit businesses, courts, and jails; assist at community functions; and write reports at the office. Law enforcement officers are increasingly asked to work in schools where they are sometimes given the title of school resource officers (SRO). Police generally work 40-hour weeks but are sometimes called on to put in overtime.

The job of a law enforcement official can be quite stressful. Sometimes the work can be physically taxing. Danger is ever-present on some beats.

Outlook
With increasing crime, the job outlook for sheriff's deputies and police officers is excellent and expected to grow faster than the average through 2010. Competition is more intense for jobs in state and federal agencies, as well as in affluent areas. However, any forecast must take into account the budget limitations that have beset government at every level.

For More Information:

International Association of Chiefs of Police
515 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2357
(800) THE-IACP
(703) 836-6767
(703) 836-4543 (fax)
Web site: www.theiacp.org

National Association of Chiefs of Police
3801 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 573-0070
Web site: www.aphf.org/nacop.html

This Web site gives information about law enforcement careers and crime prevention.

National Association of School Resource Officers
1601 NE 100th Street
Anthony, FL 32617
(800) 31-NASRO
Web site: www.nasro.org

This Web site provides information pertaining to the training of school resource officers.

National Sheriffs Association
1450 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-7827
Web site: www.sheriffs.org

This site gives information about crime prevention, publications, jail operations, and research and development.

Private Detective/Investigator

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
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Job Description
Private detectives and investigators work with attorneys, businesses, government agencies, and the public to gather facts, conduct investigations, and locate people. About half of private investigators work in detective agencies or are self-employed. Others work for private companies. Some investigators specialize in a specific area such as infidelity, missing persons, or financial profiling. Many investigators spend a lot of time conducting surveillance in order to observe a person's behavior. Often an investigator will spend a lot of time verifying facts about an individual, which might include interviewing employers, checking databases, or videotaping an individual.

Education
Training requirements for private detectives vary widely from state to state, although many states require private detectives to be licensed. Usually most private detectives have a background in police work. Many have been through two- or four-year law enforcement programs and law enforcement academies. Others have served in the military where they received law enforcement training.

Working Conditions
Although detectives employed by large businesses usually work normal hours, some investigators, due to the necessity of conducting adequate surveillance and the pressure of meeting deadlines imposed by their employers, may work long and irregular hours. Places of work can vary widely from the office to an automobile parked on a public street to a public arena.

Special Skills
Private investigators must be persistent and, if necessary, confrontational. They must be independent thinkers who can communicate clearly. Knowledge of law enforcement procedures, computers, accounting, computer databases, and electronic and video equipment is important.

Salary and Benefits
Depending on experience and place of employment, salaries range from the lowest 10 percent of detectives earning less than $16,210 to the highest 10 percent earning more than $52,200. With the exception of those detectives working for large corporations, many investigators do not receive medical and/or life insurance or paid vacations.

Outlook
The demand for private detectives and investigators has grown with the fear of crime, increased litigation, and the need to protect confidential information and property. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2010.

For More Information:

American Detectives' International Investigations
Web site: www.americandetectives.net

This Web site contains useful links and resources about private investigation.

Private Security Guard

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
Working Conditions
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For More Information

Job Description
One of the fastest growing career areas is that of private security. Private security guards provide protection for private businesses and for individuals. Security guards not only personally monitor what goes on in a particular place, such as hospitals, banks, and department stores, but they also work with a variety of electronic surveillance devices to ensure the safety of individuals and businesses and their property. Some private security guards work for private security services which then contract their services to businesses, while others work directly for business organizations or individuals.

Education
The education and qualifications of private security personnel are extremely varied. Depending on the type of business, some security personnel are hired when they complete law enforcement school, others from local, state, and federal agencies. Others are hired with no experience. Usually a security guard must be at least 18 years old and have no convictions for perjury or acts of violence. The amount of education received varies widely from several days of on-the-job training to several months and involves instruction in protection, public relations, report writing, crisis deterrence, weaponry, and use of electronic surveillance devises.

Working Conditions
Working conditions for security officers depend greatly on the hiring organization or individual. Some security guards work 35- to 40-hour weeks on eight-hour shifts. Other guards are hired by the hour or the day. Some officers work long hours outside, patrolling on foot under difficult conditions. Others are stationed indoors watching electronic security monitors. Private security work can take a guard anywhere—to a client's home, a business, or a public event.

Special Skills
The skills needed to be an effective security officer are similar to those of a police officer. Good communication skills, a willingness to adjust to the personality of the client, good judgment, and good vision are important. Also, an ability to work alone and deal with electronic surveillance systems, photography, and computers can be critical in getting certain types of security jobs.

Salary and Benefits
As with education requirements, salary and benefits vary widely. The typical security guard employed in the United States earns between $23,400 and $32,000. In 2001, guards employed by the Federal Government averaged $28,960. Benefits tend to include healthcare, pension plans, and paid vacation.

Outlook
Job opportunities for private security officers look very favorable through 2010. Growth can be attributed to the increased desire for private security and a need to replace those who have retired from the field. Competition exists for higher paying positions that require extensive training, especially for jobs in places that require high levels of security, such as nuclear power plants and weapons installations.

For More Information:

Security Industry Association
635 Staters Lane, Suite 110
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-2075
(703) 683-2469 (fax)
Web site: www.siaonline.org

This Web site contains a variety of information relating to private security including information on the training of security agents, the growth of the security industry, and problems facing the industry.

Probation or Parole Officer

Job Description
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Special Skills
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Job Description
Probation and parole officers are government employees who supervise two types of people: offenders placed on probation (people who fulfill the terms of court-ordered sentences) and parolees (people who are released from prison to fulfill parole-board-ordered sentences). In fulfilling these duties, these officers ensure the public safety while working to help rehabilitate their clients. Serving as links to a variety of social services, probation and parole officers try to help their clients secure the education, counseling, jobs, and housing necessary to become fully rehabilitated. They also write pre-sentence reports for judges. Based on the officers' investigative work on the offenders' backgrounds, these reports provide judges with important information necessary to make an appropriate sentence for each offender. Probation and parole officers testify at pretrial and parole board hearings to help explain these reports. In addition, they are responsible for investigating any violations of court-ordered sentences.

Education
Generally, at the state level, probation and parole officers must complete a four-year degree program in a social science area such as sociology, criminal justice, psychology, or correctional counseling. Classes in writing and other communication arts, as well as in law, are considered helpful. At the federal level, the officer must also have at least two years of work experience in the field.

Special Skills
Probation and parole officers must possess excellent communication skills in order to write precise pre-sentence reports and be able to defend them in court. They must also be able to relate to people from a variety of legal professions, as well as clients with different backgrounds. In addition, probation and parole officers must be able to deal with the stress that comes with large caseloads.

Salary and Benefits
In 2000, salaries ranged from $25,000 to $59,000, with a median salary of $38,150. Higher wages tend to be found in urban areas. Both state and federal governments provide some health and retirement benefits.

Working Conditions
Probation and parole officers work in offices, courts, jails, and prisons. The nature of their work often takes them to both the places of business and the residences of their clients. This occupation can have a heavy workload and be very stressful. These officers usually work a 40-hour week but may be called on to work overtime to investigate their clients and to meet court-ordered deadlines.

Outlook
The job outlook through 2010 shows growth at a pace faster than the average of all occupations. The number of defendants is growing. In order to make room in prisons for other offenders, many offenders are being released on parole. As a result, there is an increasing demand for probation and parole officers. However, this forecast also depends on the amount of government funding allocated to probation systems.

For More Information:

American Probation and Parole Association
2760 Research Park Drive
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 244-8207
(859) 244-8001 (fax)
E-mail: appa@csg.org
Web site: www.appa-net.org

This site contains information on publications, position statements, jobs, and training opportunities for probation and parole officers.

State Law Enforcement: Highway Patrol Officer

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
Working Conditions
Outlook
For More Information

Job Description
The authority of state highway patrol officers or state troopers extends past the major roadways of the state in which they serve. State patrol officers have the authority to arrest violators of the law anywhere within the borders of their state. Besides apprehending criminals, their duties usually include patrolling highways, investigating motor accidents, controlling traffic, rendering aid in disaster situations, and enforcing commercial vehicle laws.

Education
In many states candidates need only a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. Several states, however, require that candidates have an associate's or bachelor's degree. Successful applicants then go through a several-month training program at a state law enforcement academy.

Special Skills
State troopers must be able to work within a chain of command, listen and communicate well, drive skillfully, work alone and think independently, and become proficient with a variety of weapons.

Working Conditions
Highway patrol officers usually work alone. In large rural states their area of responsibility might encompass more than 1,000 square miles. They can be far away from back-up if they are in the process of attending to an accident or apprehending a criminal. For this reason they must be able to think and act independently. Most highway patrol officers work 40-hour weeks.

Salary and Benefits
Highway patrol officers typically earn between $30,500 and $46,000 per year. They receive medical and life insurance. Some officers receive a uniform cleaning allowance, as well.

Outlook
The outlook for the hiring of highway patrol officers is good, particularly in states experiencing a population increase or in states bordering Mexico.

For More Information:

Official Directory of State Patrol and State Police Sites
Web site: www.statetroopersdirectory.com

This site contains links to all 50 state highway patrol sites.

U.S. Government Law Enforcement Officer

Job Description
Education
Special Skills
Salary and Benefits
Working Conditions
Outlook
For More Information

Job Description
The duties of law enforcement officers working for the U.S. government are similar in many respects to those of local police officers. These officers help their respective federal agencies enforce the law. In the process of doing so, they investigate crimes, help preserve evidence, write reports for government prosecutors, apprehend fugitives, and testify in court.

However, the work of U.S. law enforcement officers differs from traditional law enforcement in that their authority in dealing with federal crimes extends throughout the United States and their work often relates to specialized types of crimes. Also, with the exception of the officers of the U.S. Marshal Service, the federal law enforcement officers discussed in this section are officially designated as "special agents."

U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Agent ATF agents, working under the authority of the U.S. Department of Justice, conduct surveillance, work in undercover assignments, obtain search warrants, perform raids, interview and interrogate suspects and/or witnesses, and arrest criminals. The ATF works closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as mandated by Congress. The main objective of the ATF is to prevent terrorism, reduce violent crime, and protect the public. ATF agents investigate crimes of violence (armed violent offenders and armed narcotics traffickers/narco-terrorists); infiltrate violent criminal organizations (street gangs, hate groups, anti-government groups and motorcycle gangs); monitor domestic and international arms and/or explosives traffickers; and watch for alcohol and tobacco diversion and/or trafficking which fund terrorist organizations. ATF agents also investigate bombing and arson incidents. The ATF has teams which respond nationally and internationally to investigate bombing and/or fire scenes. In addition to canines certified to detect explosives and accelerants, specialized ATF personnel include: Bomb Technicians, Certified Explosive Specialists, Certified Fire (arson) Investigators, canine handlers, Special Response Teams (tactical), and enhanced undercover personnel (long-term undercover agents). ATF laboratories assist in the investigation of all criminal acts the ATF investigates.

Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Agent DEA agents work under the authority of the U.S. Department of Justice in enforcing the federal Controlled Substances Act. Agents are involved in the following: carrying out surveillance of criminals; infiltrating illicit drug channels; identifying and apprehending drug traffickers; confiscating illegal drug supplies; arresting drug law violators; collecting and preparing evidence; writing detailed reports; and coordinating activities with local, state, federal, and foreign governments to prevent the flow of illegal drugs to and through the United States.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent FBI agents work under the authority of the U.S. Department of Justice and deal with investigation and apprehension of federal fugitives; investigation of civil rights violations; and investigation of organized crime, white-collar crime, foreign counterintelligence, sabotage, espionage, terrorism, and kidnapping. FBI agents coordinate their activities closely with the U.S. attorney in their jurisdiction.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Agent IRS agents work for the U.S. Treasury Department. Their duties involve investigating people for tax violations, money laundering, computer fraud, and illegal tax shelters. In fulfilling these duties, the agents interview witnesses and principals; write reports for trial preparation; and participate in surveillance, undercover activities, and searches and seizures.

Secret Service Agent Secret Service agents work for the Department of Homeland Security. Their primary responsibility is to protect the president and vice president of the United States and their immediate families. Secret Service agents also protect past presidents of the United States, foreign heads of state, and official representatives of the United States performing special missions abroad. In addition, Secret Service agents are responsible for investigating currency counterfeiting and various types of fraud and forgery that violate federal laws.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Every deputy U.S. marshal works under the authority of a U.S. marshal. There are 94 U.S. marshals, each appointed to manage a particular district. Their service falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Deputy U.S. marshals are involved in conducting fugitive investigations, protecting U.S. courts, protecting federal witnesses, seizing and managing assets acquired from criminal activities, providing prisoner custody and transportation, and providing law enforcement support in national emergencies.

Customs Inspectors Responsibilities of the inspectors include examining cargo, baggage, and articles worn or carried by people in addition to inspecting vessels, vehicles, trains, and aircraft entering or leaving the United States. These actions serve to enforce laws governing imports and exports. Customs inspectors confiscate illegal articles—contraband—in an effort to track, detain, and arrest violators of U.S. laws.

Transportation Security Screeners Screeners are responsible for ensuring the security and protection of air travelers, airports, and airplanes. Responsibilities include identifying dangerous and deadly objects in baggage or cargo and preventing passengers from transporting such items onto the aircraft. Transportation Security Screeners are federal employees of the Department of Justice working closely with the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Agent USCIS agents work for the Department of Homeland Security to maintain the security of the borders of the United States. Their duties include apprehending people who illegally enter the United States, preventing products from entering the United States illegally, and enforcing the proper rules and regulations of employment of aliens in the United States.

Education
FBI Agent—People can enter the FBI in one of the areas listed below with the following qualifications:
Law: J.D. degree from an accredited law school
Accounting: B.S. degree with a major in accounting and eligibility to take the CPA examination
Engineering/Science: B.S. degree in engineering, computer science, or one of the physical sciences. Additional experience may be required.
Language: B.S. or B.A. degree in any discipline and proficiency in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, or another language that meets the needs of the FBI

ATF, DEA, IRS, USCIS, and Secret Service Agents and Deputy U.S. Marshal—Entry requirements for these careers generally include a four-year college degree. And, with the exception of IRS agents, some law enforcement experience. Those preparing to become IRS agents should emphasize accounting and business while in college.

Backgrounds in foreign languages (particularly Spanish for prospective USCIS agents), computers, and business are extremely helpful on the job. Additional training is provided at one of the federal law enforcement academies for each entering agent.

Transportation Security Screeners are required to have a high school diploma, general educational development diploma, or equivalent and be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National. One year of full-time experience in security work, aviation screener work, or x-ray technician work makes for an attractive applicant.

Special Skills
All federal law enforcement officers must pass rigorous physical, vision, and medical examinations in order to be hired. They must be able to maintain the confidentiality of their work and relate effectively to people from different backgrounds. Like local and state law enforcement personnel, agents must be able to listen carefully, speak articulately, write proficiently, and exercise good judgment in dangerous situations.

Salary and Benefits
FBI agents are hired at a salary of about $36,600. Additionally, within a few years, FBI agents progress up the government pay scale to salaries above $50,000. Supervisory, management, and executive agents earn a base salary of about $67,800, but can earn nearly $100,000 with overtime. Medical and retirement benefits are provided for all U.S. government law enforcement employees.

Working Conditions
Law enforcement agents at the federal level work in offices and courtrooms but may travel extensively to do their jobs. They often put in a lot of overtime. The potential for physical danger always exists. Thus, special agents carry weapons and must be ready to use them.

Outlook
The job demand for federal law enforcement officers through the year 2005, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, should increase as fast as the demand for other legal occupations because of a more security conscious society which appears determined to reduce crime and illegal immigration. However, the availability of jobs could be limited by the government's budget limitations.

For More Information:

ATF Agent
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Personnel Division
650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Room 8290
Washington, D.C. 20226
E-mail: ATFmail@atfhq.atf.treas.gov
Web site: http://www.atf.gov/careers/index.htm

This government Web site explains the history of the ATF, duties of ATF agents, and the ATF's strategic plan and programs.

DEA Agent
DEA Headquarters
Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Personnel
2401 Jefferson Davis Highway
Alexandria, VA 22301
Web site: www.usdoj.gov/dea/

This Web site explains the background of the DEA, as well as the responsibilities, qualifications, salary, and benefits of DEA agents.

FBI Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Attn: Applicant Unit
Department of Justice
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
(202) 324-3000
Web site: www.usdoj.gov
Web site: www.fbi.gov

These detailed Web sites include the history of the FBI, the qualifications and responsibilities of FBI agents, and addresses of FBI regional offices.

IRS Agent
Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Division of Criminal Investigation
Web site: www.jobs.irs.gov

This site explains IRS career paths, salary, and benefits and also responds to frequently asked questions.

Secret Service Agent
United States Secret Service
Personnel Division
1800 G Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20223
Web site: www.ustreas.gov/usss/

This site contains detailed information about the role, responsibilities, and purpose of secret service agents, as well as job requirements for prospective applicants.

Deputy U.S. Marshal
U.S. Marshals Service
Employment and Compensation Division
Field Staffing Branch
600 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202-4210
(202) 307-9600
Web site: www.usdoj.gov/marshals/career.html

This Web site explains the history of the Marshals Service, as well as the responsibilities and qualifications for becoming a U.S. Marshal.

U.S. Department of Transportation
Transportation Security Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Mail Stop: TSA-6
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
Web site: www.tsa.gov/public/

This Web site contains information on the responsibilities of the Transportation Security Administration, helpful information for travelers, and important information about employment opportunities.

USCIS Agent
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
425 I ("Eye") Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20536
Web site: www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

This detailed site answers frequently asked questions about the USCIS and lists detailed career information.