Using the personal accounts of criminal justice professionals, this guide describes what someone entering the profession will do on the job, what qualifications are needed, what professionals like and dislike about their jobs, and what are the current prospects for career changes and promotions. Each section begins with an overview detailing hiring trends, typical job ads, entry-level qualifications and salaries, and how to obtain further information. The specific career paths discussed in the book include law enforcement, private security and loss prevention, law and the judicial system, corrections, probation and parole, human services, academic and research, and government (i.e., special agents, inspectors). 5 appendixes