In post-Katrina New Orleans, a cleanup that's still going on comes with the added side effect of a dramatic increase in crime. New Orleans led the nation in murders per capita in 2006 and is expected to make similar numbers in 2007. From this real-life drama emerges the inspiration not only for a television show but for those who want to make a difference. For the real-life officers in the city and those considering a criminal justice career, the drama is all too true.
This fall, FOX offers up 'K-Ville', a law enforcement drama set and filmed in New Orleans. It tells the story of two police officers from vastly different backgrounds battling the upsurge of violence, an understaffed police force, and lack of crime labs in the city. For these tough cops, a day at work means confronting life and death in a struggling yet hopeful New Orleans.
Law Enforcement Struggles in Recovering City
While 'K-Ville' portrays fictional events, it should revive national awareness of a city that continues to feel the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Two years later, Louisiana National Guard troops continue to patrol the streets, and the U.S. Justice Department has taken a bigger role in fighting street crime.
As the city scrambles to turn around the rising crime rates, the demand for law enforcement agents and criminal justice personnel has skyrocketed. Currently, new police officers in the city can expect starting wages of $33,111 after completing police recruit training. Additionally, $3,600 in supplemental pay is provided after one year of service. So while breaking the law doesn't pay, training to fight crime does.
Education Provides a Foundation for Criminal Justice Careers
While the New Orleans Police Department has no college requirement for entry-level officers, other departments around the country require some formal education. Additionally, criminal justice careers in New Orleans and across the nation generally have specific education requirements.
Here are some minimum education requirements for some popular criminal justice careers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Private Detectives and Investigators: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or police science. Earns $32,110 on average.
- Correctional Officers with the Federal Bureau of Prisons: Bachelor's degree, or three years' experience in the field. Federal correctional workers earn $44,700 on average.
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: Bachelor's degree in social science or criminal justice. Some employers prefer a master's degree in criminal justice or related fields. Earn $39,600 on average, with higher wages found in urban areas.
Securing additional education and training can lead to increases in pay, responsibility, and job security. While no degree or certificate program can guarantee a particular career or salary, employers in law enforcement and criminal justice typically prefer applicants to be highly trained and knowledgeable.
Additionally, supervisory positions are typically awarded to officers with the highest level of education and experience. Here are a few average salaries for supervisory law enforcement positions, according to the BLS:
- Police Chief: $72,900 - $93,000
- Deputy Chief: $61,100 - $77,000
- Police Captain: $60,900 - $75,500
- Police Lieutenant: $56,100 - $67,600
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Courses Train a Variety of Skills
Students considering a career in criminal justice and law enforcement should look for well-rounded degree programs that teach a range of skills applicable to different areas of the field. Whether a student aspires to be a detective, correctional officer, or police chief, initial training should provide a broad base of education.
Here are a few courses that might be present in a well-rounded criminal justice/law enforcement degree program:
- Criminal Investigation
- Police Operations
- Criminal Evidence
- Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement Agencies Offer Educational Benefits
Many police agencies pay all or part of the tuition for officers completing college degrees in criminal justice. Officers who wish to forego classroom attendance may choose to complete online criminal justice degrees, which often allow busy law enforcement agents to keep their full-time jobs.
Law enforcement officers and criminal justice personnel often come to the career with the desire to make a difference in their local community. Careers in the industry have a direct effect on crime rates and the local economy, as cities with strong police forces and low crime rates often draw young families and business. Working in local law enforcement comes with the intangible reward of keeping a city safe. In high-crime areas like New Orleans, the need for committed, passionate officers is keenly felt.
