Criminal Justice Jobs Requiring the Least Education
- Correctional officers secure local jails and state prisons. They enforce prison rules, prevent violence among the inmate population, and prevent escapes.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 or 21 years old (depending on the state) and pass criminal background checks to qualify. They must also have high school diplomas or GEDs and pass physical fitness and written tests. Although prisons may require applicants to complete some college-level courses, law enforcement or related experience may be considered as equivalents.
Correctional officers earn between $23,000 to $58,000 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The opportunity to advance to a supervisor position is available to those who earn a college degree. - Police officers protect the public. They arrest crime suspects, patrol streets and highways, investigate crimes, and inform the public of crimes and safety issues.
To be accepted into a police academy, candidates must be at least 18 or 21 years old (depending on the state), have a high school diploma of GED, pass a physical fitness test and have a clean record. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that police officers had an average yearly salary of $47,460 in 2006. A college degree is required to advance to a higher rank or to a detective position. - Bailiffs keep courtrooms secure and assist judges. They swear in witnesses, impose courtroom policies, hold evidence and deliver courtroom documents.
Qualifications are different in each state, but most courts require bailiff applicants to be U.S. citizens and pass background checks. Applicants can become certified in law enforcement by the appropriate state agency or obtain an associates degree in criminal justice or a related field to qualify for this position. Annual salary for bailiffs ranges between about $16,000 and $55,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. - Transportation Security Officers keep airports secure by checking travelers and luggage for weapons or dangerous materials. They use x-ray machines, metal detectors and other screening measures. Basic requirements include a high school diploma, a clean record, the ability to lift heavy objects and U.S. citizenship. Transportation Security Officers make between $24,432 and $36,648 a year.
- Border Patrol Agents are employed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They patrol border areas to identify and apprehend unauthorized foreigners from coming into the U.S.
Applicants are eligible to become Border Patrol Agent trainees if they have a year of qualifying work experience. Applicants must pass written exams, drug screenings, and be U.S. citizens. The ability to speak Spanish is an added bonus (for work along the southern border), but trainees can learn the language during training. They can make up to $55,000 a year after completing training.
