In post-Katrina Louisiana, those with criminal justice degrees should find plenty of career opportunities helping to rebuild the state's legal system.

By Jessica Santina
RWM Columnist
February 08, 2007

In late August 2005, the nation watched in awe as Louisiana residents struggled to find loved ones and shelter from the storm of utter chaos. Law-abiding citizens turned to crime in their panic, leaving an already troubled legal system even more burdened. Now, as Louisiana rebuilds, it will need to lean on those with criminal justice degrees.

The media's coverage of Hurricane Katrina shone a spotlight on the state's already struggling legal system. Impoverished residents found themselves with no legal aid, and the Louisiana Justice Coalition began clamoring for help.

"For an extended moment," says the Coalition in a post-Katrina report, "the entire nation watched a lethargic and seemingly uncompassionate response to the plight of Louisiana's poor and was appalled. In that moment, the poor were empowered, with an audience they seldom have, to share their stories."

Relief Comes
Following the hurricane, a State Indigent Defense Board was created to address the many urgent needs of poor and underrepresented Louisianans. Funds were allocated to this effort. The Louisiana State Bar Association formed a new committee to ensure that those funds are spent ethically and efficiently. And the governor has proposed an appropriation of $10 million to assist in the crisis.

Now, the state urgently needs criminal justice professionals to help rebuild the system.

Do Your Future Justice
An associate of applied science (AAS) in criminal justice prepares you for work in public safety, juvenile justice, prosecution, victim assistance, law enforcement, loss prevention, corrections, court administration, or crime prevention. It's also a great stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree program or the police academy.

Upon completion of your criminal justice AAS, you could go on to work as a bailiff, a compliance officer, a corrections officer, a private security officer, a police officer, or even a crime scene investigator, depending on your level of experience, interest, and professional training.

For example, correctional officers are expected to have excellent job opportunities over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over 11 million people are admitted and processed by corrections officers into the U.S. jail system each year, with approximately half a million people in jail at any one time in this country. Clearly, the work of correctional officers is very important, and in Louisiana, a state still wrestling with chaos, their work is even more critical. These officers earned a median annual salary of $33,600 in 2004--compared to a national average of about $21,000.

Earning your AAS in criminal justice in Louisiana gives you a peek into the system, and prepares you to begin work immediately. So begin your criminal justice degree today, and do your part to rebuild Louisiana's legal system.

Sources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Correctional officers"
• CriminalJusticeUSA.com
• Louisiana Justice Coalition, "Hurricane Brings Attention to Long Broken Public Defense System"

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.