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Build a career in criminal justice
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the Criminal Justice sector.
The Criminal Justice System consists of law enforcement agencies, the courts service, and agencies responsible for detaining and supervising offenders, such as prison and probation services. The Ministry of Justice oversees the work of these agencies.
His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HPPS) delivers offenders services: prisons, youth custody, and probation with the objective of protecting the public and reducing reoffending. This agency is responsible to the Ministry of Justice.
The Home Office has responsibility for the 43 police forces in England and Wales and the Attorney General has responsibility for the Crown Prosecution Service.
Recent years have brought several changes to the delivery of key criminal justice services, including a reorganisation of the probation service as well as increased involvement of private and third sector organisations. Further changes may be yet to come as the government is currently considering merging police forces to increase efficiency in fighting serious crime, as well as modernising the court system to help deal with the high backlog of court cases and ensure victims receive justice without lengthy delays.
In this guide
The Criminal Justice System consists of law enforcement agencies, the courts service, and agencies responsible for detaining and supervising offenders, such as prison and probation services. The Ministry of Justice oversees the work of these agencies.
His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HPPS) delivers offenders services: prisons, youth custody, and probation with the objective of protecting the public and reducing reoffending. This agency is responsible to the Ministry of Justice.
The Home Office has responsibility for the 43 police forces in England and Wales and the Attorney General has responsibility for the Crown Prosecution Service.
In recent years there have been several changes to the delivery of services, including a reorganisation of the probation service and increased involvement of private and third sector organisations. There has also been an increased focus on anti-social behaviour and youth offending, which has provided some employment opportunities in those areas. However, the criminal justice sector can be affected by cuts in public spending, which can impact the number of available jobs overall.
Potential Job Roles
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
Areas of employment
Explore these main areas within Criminal Justice and decide what type of role most interests you.
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.
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 (also known as Crime Scene Investigators) 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.
Gaining Experience
Competition for jobs in Criminal Justice is fierce and work experience could be the deciding factor for securing a graduate job. Any work opportunities (either paid positions or volunteer roles) will enable you to get a clearer understanding of the nature of the work carried out across different organisations and services within the criminal justice sector. It will also increase your knowledge of the range of challenges you may encounter; how you might respond; and the necessary skills you will need to develop when you start looking for permanent employment.
Opportunities within Criminal Justice
Volunteer with the Police
Individual police forces offer various volunteering opportunities, including:
- Special Constable
- Victim Liaison Volunteer
- Police Support Volunteers
- Administrative Support Volunteers
Hampshire Constabulary offer an Observer Scheme which provides the opportunity to shadow police officers across a maximum of three shifts.
Where to find other Criminal Justice volunteering opportunities
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The King's Trust (formerly known as the Prince's Trust) offers opportunities for 16 to 30-year-olds to develop skills and confidence through a wide variety of activities.
- Victim Support - An independent charity that provides support to people affected by crime or traumatic events.
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NACRO - A social justice charity offering information, advice and guidance, courses, consultancy and interventions to vulnerable people within communities.
- Youth Justice Board - A resource hub for those working or looking to work in youth justice.
- Police.UK - A useful list of UK police force websites, as well as information about Careers & Volunteering opportunities.
- Clinks - Represents the voluntary options within the sector, providing a directory of organisations working with offenders and listing both paid and unpaid training and volunteering opportunities.
Types of opportunities available through the University
While you're studying, you can gain experience through:
Placements usually last between 6-12 months and can be taken as part of your degree programme. Criminal Justice placements can be found in Crown and County Courts, Law Firms, Charities and Non-Governmental Organisations
You can find placements through:
There are fewer internships offered in the criminal justice sector than in other areas. Many organisations either focus on volunteering or don't offer work experience due to the confidential or classified nature of the work. The organisations listed below give you an idea of the type of opportunities that may be available. You will need to do thorough research to identify further specific opportunities:
There are lots of volunteering opportunities in criminal justice, including many in the charity or non-profit sector. Due to the nature of the work involved within certain areas, when choosing a role it is important to ensure that the organisation you volunteer through has a robust safeguarding structure in place.
Try looking through the volunteering vacancies on MyCareer, and check regularly as opportunities are added frequently.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Finding a Graduate Job
Employers who recruit in these areas
- National Probation Service
- Community Rehabilitation Companies
- Charities and NGOs
- Police Services
- MI5 and MI6
- Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)
- National Crime Agency (NCA)
- Government departments including HM Revenues and Customs and the Serious Fraud Office
- Commercial scientific analysis providers such as Cellmark and LGC
Where to find criminal justice jobs
Many criminal justice jobs are found through online job boards. These include:
Charter Society of Forensic Sciences
Review the Frequently Asked Questions area of this site for information on career pathways and job searching. You may also consider becoming a member of the Society for learning and networking opportunities.
Red Snapper Group
Staffing services provider for law enforcement, offender supervision, regulatory enforcement and counter-fraud work communities.
His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service
Information about roles within HM Prison Service, including prison officer, operational support and instructor roles.
National Probation Service
Offers specific information on Probation Officer training opportunities.
Jobsgopublic
Jobsite specialising in public sector roles.
Community Care
The Community Care website includes a job section with opportunities in social care and social work.
Sanctuary Personnel
Sanctuary Personnel is an accredited and award-winning recruitment consultancy. They recruit to social care, probation, youth offending and substance misuse roles and offer ongoing career support.
Clinks
Clinks is a charitable organisation that supports volunteers working within the criminal justice system, and advertises paid roles.
Guardian Jobs
Search for opportunities across various areas including criminal justice, charity and public sector roles.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date
Here are some key resources to help you keep updated with industry news.
- College of Policing - The College of Policing is the professional body for policing and offers more information on intelligence analysis training, routes to becoming a police officer including fast-track and direct-entry and details of professional standards and practice.
- Skills for Justice - Skills for Justice is a not-for-profit organisation offering information, advice and guidance on jobs within the criminal justice and community safety sector.
- Police.UK - Information on crime and policing including a list of UK police force websites.
- The Chartered Society of Forensic Scientists - The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences' site provides information on careers, jobs and sector standards.
- HMPPS - His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service offer information on the recruitment process, eligibility, application process and current vacancies for Prison Officers.
- National Probation Service - National Probation Service web pages, including the Probation Directory of National Probation Services and Communication Rehabilitation Companies.
- Community Justice Learning - The University of Portsmouth's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is contracted by the Ministry of Justice to deliver the academic component to Probation Officer training.
- Criminal Justice Alliance - A coalition of 120 organisations committed to improving the criminal justice system.
- ThermoFisher Scientific Forensic Learning Centre - Information resource detailing the different areas and specialisms within forensic science.
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