Careers in Criminal Justice

Ever since I was little I wanted a career in criminal justice. As soon as I graduated high school I studied the process involved and learned everything I could from counselors and advisers to determine the best educational path. In 1998 I graduated with an Associate's Degree from the Muskegon Community College Criminal Justice Program in Muskegon Michigan. The following semester I enrolled in the Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree curriculum at Grand Valley State University with an emphasis in Law Enforcement/Policing. In order to complete that particular course of study I had to attend the Grand Valley State University Police Academy. In 2000 I graduated and was ready for a career as a police officer.

It didn't take long for me to get my first job as a part time cop making seven dollars an hour. In order to make ends meet I accepted three other part time jobs at various local departments in the West Michigan Area. About a year later I was offered a full time job opportunity at the City of Muskegon Police Department where I work a variety of assignments ranging from road patrol to narcotics to the community policing bureau. In 2007 I had change of heart and decided that police work was not for me.

After much deliberation and many job applications later I found a posting for a State of Michigan felony probation agent. Luckily, one of the qualifications needed was a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. After a well rehearsed interview and a couple months of nail biting I was offered a position. I have just hit the three year mark and so far so good.

Half of my time is spent preparing pre-sentence investigations for felons convicted in the 14^th Circuit Court of Muskegon Michigan. In short I interview defendants, run a criminal history check, and prepare a report for the judge. In order for the court to make an appropriate sentence in regards to jail versus prison versus probation I explore the defendant's needs, risks, and ability to conform to the rules of society.

The second half of my job is the supervision of offenders that have been placed on probation. I set up times for them to report to discuss their work search activities, schooling, substance abuse treatment progress, and any other special condition set forth by the judge. Further, I conduct home visits and employment verifications randomly to check on the suitability of an offender's environment.

In addition to face to face contact I am required to investigate police reports, jail bookings and the Law Enforcement Information Network to determine if a probationer is involved in anything contrary to his or her order of probation. It is my responsibility to discovery any violation and determine the severity.

A probation violation can range from missing a report day to committing a new felony. The Michigan Department of Corrections' policies dictate an agents response to a violation to a certain degree. We have discretion with some minor offenses while major violations mandate court action. If the offender is returned to the court, he or she will face the judge and be re-sentenced on the original charge with no promises or plea agreements.

While a degree in criminal justice with a police emphasis did not necessarily prepare me for the intricacies of probation, it did help me to get a job in a related field. My degree, albeit not intended for my current position, was able to help me obtain enough real world experience eventually leading me to where I am today.