If a job in criminal justice is a possibility for you or your children, then gaining relevant experience could be the first step to reaching that goal. This was the recent case for a group of students from Texas high schools, who attended the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Criminal Justice Camp, according to the Huntsville Item. SHSU associate professor and event coordinator Holly Miller said the scheme enables participants to gain real experience and knowledge from actual workers in the sector and visit relevant locations. The week-long event involves obtaining "accurate information" about what being a US marshal or an FBI agent is really like. Students also solve a crime using a "mock" crime scene and take classes on the subject of criminal justice. "We've had a 30% rate of students who end up coming to Sam Houston after participating in our camp," says Candice Williams, undergraduate advising coordinator at SHSU. In addition, a camp participant told the newspaper that anyone with an interest in a career in law enforcement or the criminal justice sector should attend. "This is a really good educational experience that can guide you to what you want to do in the future." According to the Bureau of Labor, those looking for a career as a police officer or detective are likely to maximise their chances in the sector if they have college training in police science or military police experience. Statistics show that the minimum annual salary for a police corporal is $44,160.  |