The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002. It is primarily formed of pre-existing federal agencies that were moved from the supervision of various other cabinet-level departments and placed under the umbrella of the DHS.
The Department of Homeland Security was created as a direct response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. The mission of the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the territory of the United States from terrorist attacks as well as to respond to natural disasters.
What are the Legal Implications of Homeland Security?
There have been criticisms of the DHS from various fronts. Certain civil libertarians have argued that warrantless wiretaps of telephones of American citizens by the federal government have raised significant legal issues, especially under the 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
In addition, during Hurricane Katrina, the first major natural disaster on United States soil after the creation of DHS, the Department’s response to the needs of the individuals in New Orleans as well as the surrounding region was criticized as being slow, disorganized, and inadequate in scope. This has raised other legal issues, for example, the extent to which a government agency can be liable to a private party when sovereign immunity is taken into account.
However, these few problems with the Department of Homeland Security, problems which could have befallen any new government agency, represent relatively small bumps in the road for an agency that has taken on a large amount of responsibility.
What Does the Department of Homeland Security Do?
The Department of Homeland Security serves a wide variety of functions from border security and immigration to securing cyberspace. DHS articulates that its five main goals are focused on:
What Organizations are Included under DHS?
The Department of Homeland Security consolidated several formerly independent agencies under a common goal. Numerous agencies have since changed their names or been reorganized.
For example, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is now split into:
Each of these individual agencies focuses on a different aspect of immigration and border security. Other agencies that are now under DHS include:
What Careers are Available in Homeland Security?
Individuals who have completed homeland security training courses may be able to find jobs in many different fields that are related to protecting the United States from terrorist attacks. Just about any individual who has completed the requisite criminal justice and homeland security training can find a job in the DHS that appeals to them.
There are dozens of diverse agencies that operate under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security. Each of these agencies requires a wide variety of skill sets.
If an individual has completed a homeland security training course, there is a good chance that they will be able to find one of these jobs. Agencies such as the Coast Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Federal Emergency Management Agency all operate under the DHS and have a need for individuals with various qualifications related to criminal justice.
What is Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is the system of government institutions that are aimed at preventing and punishing crime. This is typically accomplished by imposing criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts on individuals who violate criminal laws.
The concept of upholding social order and public peace is central to the criminal justice system. In contrast to civil courts, individuals who are accused of violating criminal laws are provided with numerous protections against institutional abuse of prosecution procedures.
These protections are provided mostly by the United States Constitution, for example, the 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Why is Criminal Justice Important?
The work that is done by criminal justice professionals every day is very important. The criminal justice system serves two very important functions, including protecting society from criminals and ensuring that innocent people are not punished.
These two goals are equally important but, in certain cases, they may conflict with one another. For the reasons discussed above, any individual who works with the criminal justice system must be diligent, knowledgeable, and ethical.
What is Criminal Justice Training?
Training in criminal justice requires learning a wide variety of subjects. Students who receive criminal justice training will learn the basics of criminal law, which will provide them with an overview of what an individual can and cannot do in the context of criminal law.
Students of criminal law will study:
- Criminology;
- Criminal procedure;
- The inner workings of the criminal court system; and
- Other related subjects.
There are many schools across the United States that have various degree programs that include some form of criminal justice training. An individual can earn a paralegal certificate, which may help them find a job assisting public defenders, prosecutors, or criminal defense lawyers all the way to a Ph.D. or a law degree.
All of these professions can include a focus on criminal justice. There are certain criminal justice degrees that may be required if an individual wants to work as a criminal justice professional.
What are Some Examples of Criminal Justice Careers?
Criminal justice careers can include a broad range of professions. The field of criminal justice involves the cooperation of several types of professionals, including:
- Law enforcement and police officers;
- Judicial officers;
- Investigative agencies; and
- Legal professionals.
Examples of legal careers in criminal justice include, but are not limited to:
- Court clerk;
- Court reporter;
- Court register
- Criminologist;
- Defense attorney;
- Judge;
- Forensic evidence scientist;
- Immigration agent;
- Legal assistant;
- Legal researcher;
- Paralegal;
- Prosecutor; and
- Police or law enforcement officer.
Many of these types of careers also have a similar counterpart in the juvenile criminal justice system. For example, there are juvenile court judges and law enforcement officers who specialize in juvenile matters.
Why would I want to Consider a Career in Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice includes several different fields for individuals who are considering a career in that field. In addition, there is a considerable amount of opportunity for advancement in many areas of practice.
Criminal laws essentially govern the entire spectrum of societal rules. The individual would be exposed to a wide range of ideas and information.
A criminal justice career can be pursued through a variety of different paths, including academic and vocational institutions. An individual can pursue employment in many different places, including private employers and government agencies, such as the DHS.
Should I Speak with an Attorney?
You may have an interaction with the Department of Homeland Security for many reasons, for example, if you are applying for a visa, traveling, or applying for a job. If you are considering a position in the criminal justice field, it may be helpful to consult with a criminal defense lawyer.
A lawyer can advise you regarding the different career paths that may be available. If they do not have knowledge regarding a certain department or position, it is likely that they know an individual who does and can refer you to them.
