Criminal Justice &
Law Enforcement
Human Services
If you have always wanted to be a Police officer,
then take a look at CRIMINAL JUSTICE & LAW ENFORCEMENT.
What is it?
Generally, they are 3 parts to the criminal justice system. Law enforcement is represented usually by the police or other law officers, and are on the front lines of finding and apprehending law breakers. The court system will interpret the laws and assess whether or not a suspect broke a law, find them guilty or innocent, and deliver punishment. And the corrections system will administer the punishment if guilt is found, usually represented by prisons, but will also issue fines or monitor community service or rehabilitation.
What will I do?
The most common career path for law enforcement is becoming a police officer. Police officers:
- Uphold the laws
- Keep their community safe
- Help people in need
- Make arrests when people break the law
- Investigate crimes
Leads to these jobs:
- Community service officer
- Correctional officer
- Detective
- Emergency dispatch operator
- Homeland security officer
- Lawyer or judge
- Police officer
- Probation officer
- Security guard
Is this for me?
- Be willing to take risks
- You should have strong character and integrity, with a sense of what is right and wrong
- Ability to keep calm in high-stress situations, able to deal with anger, fear, frustration, and chaotic situations
- Police work has irregular hours day and night, so being flexible with your schedule is a must
Police Officer
Employment Stats in Lake County
NEW JOB OPENINGS
OVER NEXT 10 YEARS
NEW JOB OPENINGS
OVER NEXT 10 YEARS
%
JOB GROWTH
OVER NEXT 10 YEARS
Hourly Earnings
- Entry Level – $20.88
- Average – $34.47
- Experienced – $46.92
Source – Emsi, 2021
Interested in pursuing a career in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement?
IF YOU ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL:
Check first with your local high school to see if they offer a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement. You can also register for the Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement programs offered by the Tech Campus.
Learn more at: www.techcampus.org/criminal_justice
IF YOU NEED TUITION
OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Lake County Workforce Development has programs that may assist you with tuition or financial assistance.
Or visit the
Job Center of Lake County’s website.
IF YOU HAVE
GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL:
Check out available Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement and other human services programs offered by the College of Lake County.
Learn more at: www.clcillinois.edu
