Join the Force with an Online Criminal Justice Degree

By Kirk Bangstad
Learning & Life Columnist

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They diffuse bombs, break up international drug rings, stop internet hackers, and protect Americans from a host of other dangers. Who are these peacekeepers? They are local, state, and federal criminal justice agents that started out much like the rest of us - as college students.

There are a wide variety of career destinations for criminal justice degree students. Some of the most exciting, challenging, and sought-after positions are within federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Each of these agencies regularly battle sophisticated criminals and organized crime syndicates with cutting edge technology and training.

Combating Computer Crime with the FBI

The FBI is a good example of an agency that is implementing the latest technologies to fight crime. Within the agency, there is a group of technically trained agents affectionately known as CyberSWAT.

CyberSWAT has specialized software and other technical tools. They use such tools to detect network intrusions, responding in real-time. This team was put together to fight new types of Internet crime, such as identity theft, child exploitation, and computer viruses.

Battling Drug Trafficking with the DEA

The DEA made over 27,000 domestic drug arrests in 2002. Being the most lucrative drug market in the world, the U.S. is wrought with many international groups that traffic and disperse drugs into this country using land routes, maritime waterways, and air corridors.

While trying to stop the foreign import of cocaine, heroine, marijuana, and ecstasy, among other drugs, DEA agents must also combat the growing domestic production of marijuana, LSD, PCP, and methamphetamines.

The DEA works hand-in-hand with the USCIS, which consists of border patrol agents, immigration inspectors, criminal investigators, and deportation officers. Responsible for over 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries, the USCIS works hard to detect and prevent the unlawful entry of both illegal foreign nationals and contraband into the U.S.

Ending Illegal Operations with the ATF

In 2003, the ATF investigated nearly 400 bombings and over 750 incidents involving recovered explosives or explosive devices. They made over 14,000 firearm inspections, both on current gun owners and those looking to purchase firearms. They also brought in millions of dollars to the U.S. treasury by uncovering illegal alcohol and tobacco trafficking practices.

Counterterrorism, Crime Fighting, and Investigation After 9|11

Since the domestic tragedy of 9/11, these and other agencies whose mission is to keep the peace have grown. The U.S. government has made domestic security a priority and is thus hiring more and more criminal justice degree graduates.

In the aftermath of the 9/11, the FBI went through a major restructuring process that expanded the agency's workforce. New agents were trained and hired specifically to counter domestic terrorism, as well as to better combat transnational and national crime organizations. The FBI, as well as the other federal agencies, works together with the newly-formed Department of Homeland Security.

Interagency Cooperation Has a Whole New Meaning

Seamless interagency information sharing has become a focus in counterterrorism and other crime-fighting measures. In fact, new inter-agency crime fighting divisions have been created where agency overlap exists.

Today, it is possible to see FBI and CIA agents working closely together, along with other agency partnerships. Much of this agency integration is made possible with technological advances. As the different agencies begin to integrate their own intelligence systems with each other, new opportunities are created to better fight crime.

If you were thinking about earning a degree in criminal justice, now is the time to take the plunge. The expanding job opportunities, technical advances, and increased responsibilities make this a very exciting and important field.

About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is an artist manager and singer working in Chicago, IL. His previous experience includes consulting for technology companies in the Silicon Valley and serving as a field director and publicist for a statewide political campaign. Kirk holds a B.A. in government from Harvard University.

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