The primary responsibilities in this category are the maintenance of peace, the prevention of crime, and the apprehension of criminals. Workers in this category maintain the security, safety, guidance, and supervision of criminals. They also provide corrective retraining programs to enable criminals to re-enter society. The court systems handle individuals once arrested and charged with a crime. The courts determine the action to be taken in each case.
Many positions require a background investigation and reference check.
Positions for criminal justice majors exist in local, county, state, and federal government. Positions include working for police departments, which include patrol and vehicular enforcement, investigations, vice operations, juvenile delinquency, personnel, communications, and laboratory technology. State police and highway patrol protect state parks, control traffic, investigate organized crime, narcotics, fraud and gambling activities, and add support to local police. The federal government offers a wide array of opportunities. Government agencies have specific duties and responsibilities which may involve investigation, protection, intelligence, law enforcement, or crime prevention.