Exploring criminal justice jobs for high school students

I'm really interested in criminal justice and would like to explore related job opportunities while I'm in high school. Do you know of any entry-level jobs or internships that a high schooler could apply for in this field?

There are indeed several ways for high school students such as yourself to start gaining exposure to the field of criminal justice. While many roles within this field require advanced degrees or training, as a high school student, you can start exploring and learning about this field through entry-level opportunities and internships. Here are some roles and opportunities you may consider:

1. Police Explorers: Many police departments across the country have explorer programs in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America. These programs are hands-on and they allow young people between the ages of 14 and 21 to learn about different aspects of a career in law enforcement.

2. Courthouse Internships: Local courthouses sometimes offer internships that allow high school students to gain experience with the legal processes and the court system. These internships can provide exposure to a variety of career paths within criminal justice.

3. Non-Profit Internships: Non-profit organizations in the field of criminal justice often seek assistance from high school volunteers and interns. These opportunities can provide you with an insight into topics like restorative justice, legal aid services, and prisoner rights.

4. Summer Law Programs: Some universities have pre-college summer programs specifically focused on law and criminal justice. These programs can offer a taste of what you might experience as a major in criminal justice or pre-law. They often include classes, guest speakers, and trips to relevant sites like courts.

6. Police Cadets: Certain cities have Police Cadet programs, structured very similarly to internships, designed for young individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

7. Community Service: You might also consider social work or community service-related positions that deal with populations often in interaction with the criminal justice system. This can offer a humanized perspective on the field.

Remember, the goal of these experiences is to help you gain exposure to the field and start determining what parts of criminal justice interest you the most. They could help you make educated decisions about what to study in college or which career path within criminal justice to aim for. It's excellent that you are thinking about this now and definitely use your passion for criminal justice to explore and learn more in your high school years.