of fraud, filed for a new trial because the media allegedly impaired his case. Of particular note is the allegation that the social media service, Twitter, may have influenced the jury. Reporters covering the trial tweeted from the courtroom as the trial progressed. Consider the impact that this single case has on attorneys, paralegals, court attendants, judges, and investigators who, before the advent of Twitter in 2006, never faced the challenge or the implications of this social network on legal procedures inside and outside courtrooms. Similarly, law enforcement officials must remain alert to the constantly changing threat of “designer drugs,” synthetic substances created to circumvent current drug laws. Last year’s headline-maker was “bath salts,” which included synthetic stimulants packaged in colorful containers that are generally labeled “not for human consumption.” One of the newer designer drugs that law enforcement is contending with this year is “Pump It Powder,” a so-called plant vitamin that, if consumed, acts as a stimulant. The manufacture, sale, and distribution of this substance is a new global challenge for law enforcement. When you think about trends such as these that challenge and change criminal justice practices, ask these questions as you pursue your goals: ★ How do I stay current in this field, and in particular the position that I want to attain? ★ How can I become better prepared for these new opportunities? ★ How do I ensure that I am the most successful candidate for the position I seek? ★ How can I demonstrate my skill set to a potential employer who may screen dozens of other candidates? ★ How can I gather the most appropriate skill set for a new position that will allow me to prove my knowledge, apply concepts, and remain flexible as the criminal justice field undergoes almost daily transformation?
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THE ONLINE OPTION of being an outstanding employee in the ever-more-professional criminal justice realm. Ultimately, you will learn how you as an individual can have an impact on public safety in general. Criminal justice classes give students an understanding of the very foundations of the U.S. criminal justice system, so that your knowledge base includes transitions not only within the profession itself but also within its latest aspects such as homeland security and identify theft and terrorism, for example. These are subjects you may study in your classes. These classes may enhance your understanding and abilities to: ★ Successfully lead a team in any public safety environment ★ Wisely apply proven criminal justice concepts to develop your own strategies and tactics ★ Authoritatively budget with fiscal responsibility to ensure public safety is the predominant focus ★ Fairly and quickly evaluate and make decisions in crisis and pending crisis situations ★ Implement ethical policies based on practical concepts
Whatever your role in public safety, the online learning environment will help make you a more critical thinker.
The Key to Advancement As you seek job positions and career advancement, you’ll most likely use digital
searches of internal job postings placed on your organization’s Website and intranet site as well as global searches in far-reaching job-search services such as Monster.com. If you do search for these sources, you’ll see that many criminal justice jobs—currently including such positions as park ranger, loss prevention manager, and rape victim advocate—require a “four-year degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.” “Police professionalism requires that today’s police officers have a great deal of specialized knowledge and that they adhere to the standards and ethics set out by the profession,” says Frank Schmalleger, Ph.D., author of “Criminal Justice Today: An Introductory Text for the 21st Century.” Education is the key to opening the doors that lead to criminal justice advancement. Not only does a degree make you better prepared for the position you seek, but also in many instances it may be a job requirement. As you earn a bachelor’s degree, you will better understand the intricacies
The Online Classroom Considering that a degree is an important step toward achieving academic and career goals, options for students to earn a degree have undergone a transition nearly as extreme as the criminal justice profession itself. That’s because the student demographic has changed so rapidly in the past decade. Many students who seek advancement or a fresh start in a career are not the traditional college students who graduate from high school then immediately proceed to higher education. Often these degree candidates work full-time and face the challenge of juggling fami-
Note: Kaplan University will be a sponsor at the FBINAA 2012 Annual Training Conference. Come visit us at Booth 408 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your educational goals.
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