Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity
ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A POLICE OFFICER?
Take a look at Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity.

What is it?
Criminal justice and law enforcement careers are responsible for serving and protecting their communities and enforcing laws. The judicial system is responsible for upholding the law and punishing those who break the law. Cybersecurity centers around the protection of computer and network systems from digital theft, damage or sabotage.
What will I do?
Police officers uphold the laws, keep their communities safe, help people in need and make arrests when people break the law. Lawyers provide legal services to individuals charged with a crime or who might have broken the law. Cybersecurity professionals plan and carry out security measures to protect a company’s or organization’s computer networks and systems from external threats.

Leads to these jobs:
- Correctional Officer
- Cryptographer
- Detective
- Information Security Analyst
- IT Security Consultant
- Lawyer or Judge
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- Security Guard

Is this for me?
- Character and integrity
- Manage stress well
- Sense of community
- Flexible schedule
- Computer skills
- Critical thinking
Employer Spotlight: JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Joliet Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the City of Joliet by working with the community for a safe city. We pledge to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear, and provide a safe environment in which to live, work and recreate, and to do so within the framework of the United States Constitution. We are committed to providing the highest quality of police service to our community.
In-Demand Occupations in Illinois
Security Guard
- Education Level: Certification
- Median Salary: $29,130
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 5%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 73,820
Police Officer
- Education Level: Certification
- Median Salary: $79,923
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 4%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 23,760
Paralegal
- Education Level: Associate Degree
- Median Salary: $54,674
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 16%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 12,980
Computer Systems Analyst
- Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
- Median Salary: $89,335
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 9%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 22,320
Information Security Analyst
- Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
- Median Salary: $94,134
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 23%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 4,260
Lawyer
- Education Level: Professional Degree
- Median Salary: $115,533
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years: 8%
- Job Openings Projected Over Next 10 Years: 18,710
Source – Illinois Department of Employment Security, 2019
HEALTH, PUBLIC SAFETY AND HUMAN SERVICES @ JJC
An increasing number of police academies are requiring at least 2 years of college education as a prerequisite for employment. JJC offers a comprehensive program that touches on most aspects of law enforcement, placing emphasis on legal procedures, critical thinking, communication, and technological literacy.
Learn more at www.jjc.edu/academics
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING CRIMINAL JUSTICE, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CYBERSECURITY
talk to your school counselor or teachers about what next steps to take.
