Getting started in Criminal Justice

These roles work directly with offenders or victims, either 1-1 or in small groups. You can find positions in statutory organisations like the Probation Service and local authorities, as well as in a wide range of not-for-profit organisations.

National Probation Service (NPS)

The NPS oversees all pre-sentence reports, conducts initial risk assessments, and manages high-risk offenders. 

The NPS runs a paid, Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP), a 15-month training programme for graduates. Graduates from any degree are eligible if they have relevant experience in working with challenging behaviour and have completed four required knowledge modules available:

• Criminal Justice System
• Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour
• Penal Policy and the Punishment of Offenders
• Rehabilitation of Offenders

Unqualified roles, such as Probation Service Officers, are available in the NPS.

Community Rehabilitation Companies (CPC)

21 CRCs across the UK manage offenders assessed as low to medium risk. Unqualified roles, such as Probation Service Officers, are available in the CRC but relevant client-based experience will be necessary for the roles. 

Roles in this field can be community-based or office-based, working with the public or behind the scenes, primarily in statutory organisations like the Police Force, Prison Service, Intelligence and Security Service, or the Armed Forces.

Intelligence Analyst/Researcher roles involve using analytical, planning, and project management skills to identify crime trends, develop crime reduction strategies, and coordinate community projects. These roles support police investigations and are often staff roles within a police service.

Trainee Intelligence opportunities for graduates are available with organisations like the Security Services (MI5 and SIS), the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

PoliceNow offers a Graduate Leadership Programme with annual recruitment. Standard Police Officer recruitment requires a Certificate of Knowledge in Policing for some forces, which can be gained at local colleges or while working as a Special Constable.

Fraud Investigation roles are available in various government departments, local authorities, and commercial organisations.

Unlocked Graduates runs a fast-track programme into prison leadership roles, and the Youth Custody Service offers a fast-track programme for those wanting to work with 12 to 18 year olds in custody, aimed at developing future leaders.

Forensic scientists, who require a relevant science background, perform scientific analysis of crime scene samples. Scenes of Crime Officers, from various backgrounds, collect and record these samples. There’s a growing demand for digital forensic analysis, often requiring a computer science degree.

Since the Forensic Science Service’s closure, police forces manage their own scientific analysis, often outsourcing to commercial providers like Cellmark and LGC. Laboratory experience is beneficial for forensic science jobs.

Scenes of Crime Officers are typically employed by police forces or outsourced. Digital forensic analysis specialists are employed by a variety of organisations, including police forces, security services, and commercial entities in sectors like finance.