Administration of Justice Careers
WHAT IS THE JOB?
The Administration of Justice A.A. degree helps prepare students for
employment or further education in the areas of correction, law enforcement
and security. Correction includes work in probation, parole and in correctional
institutions. Law enforcement includes work in police departments, sheriff's
departments, the California Highway Patrol, and various Federal agencies.
Security personnel work in various private firms, department stores,
industries, and private patrol and guard services.
WHAT
ARE THE PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NECESSARY?
A peace officer must be a U.S. citizen generally at least
21 years of age who is a high school graduate, possess a General Education
Development Test (GED) or hold a degree from a two-year or four-year
college or university, and be in excellent physical condition. Each
officer must complete and pass "Medical and Psychological Suitability
Examinations" to determine physical, emotional, and mental conditions.
Each officer must be of good moral character and must complete a background
investigation, to be completed on or prior to the appointment date.
Each background check will include fingerprinting and search of local,
state, and national files to reveal any criminal records. Felony convictions
limit employment.
Peace officers must be able to learn and understand laws and procedures;
be team-oriented with an ability to work with all segments of the community;
possess the ability to handle multiple tasks and projects and to provide
quality service to the community; relate and converse well with people;
and possess the ability to write reports. It is important to be able
to visualize objects from sketches and descriptions, to see and remember
details about people and objects, and to read or copy written materials
accurately. A peace officer must be sensitive, interested in people,
and perform well under stress. They need a good memory, the ability
to think clearly and quickly, and to make sound judgments in life-threatening
situations.
WHAT ARE THE WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY?
Police work is done indoors and outdoors, and may include irregular
hours including nights, holidays, and weekends. Workers are usually
"on call" at all times; overtime may be required during emergencies.
Being exposed to danger may cause stress. Risk of personal injury is
high especially when pursuing lawbreakers, and dealing with public disorders.
A peace officer may experience stress from having to deal with difficult
people.
Pay varies and depends on size of employer and geographic location.
Salaries are higher in larger cities and counties. Entry salaries range
from $4,000 to $5,000 per month and top pay may exceed $8,200 per month
with police cadets earning the lower pay and police chiefs earning the
highest pay.
WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK?
At present the demand for law enforcement personnel is high as evidenced
by the massive recruitment efforts of state and local agencies. Hiring
requirements are high, but competent people with good personal and work
histories should have the best chance of finding employment. Prospects
are fairly good for applicants who meet the health and physical qualifications
and for those with a college education such as the Administration of
Justice program offered by Las Positas College.
