Have you been thinking about a career in law enforcement or corrections? This is a great time for women to pursue careers working in the criminal justice system. Law enforcement agencies are encouraging women to apply. Working in law enforcement offers a solid career with good pay and benefits.

Currently women of color are underrepresented in law enforcement and corrections. About 5 percent of women in law enforcement are women of color, while they represent 45 percent of women working in corrections.

How does one get a job in law enforcement and corrections? Most agencies will require some education, like an associate degree, but others are moving toward bachelor’s degrees. You can get a good criminal justice education at a brick-and-mortar school or at an online institute like American InterContinental University Online (www.aiuonline.edu). You want to make sure that any school you attend is accredited.

You will likely take a civil service exam and physical test, so start working out! You might want to consult the agency you’re interested in for an example of challenges that have been presented in the physical test. The entire process can take up to six months but it’s worth the wait.It is best to find an agency that is a good fit for both parties, so do a little Internet investigating of your own.

Some law enforcement agencies operate under a community policing philosophy and others do not. If you apply to the sheriff’s department you might work the courts or jail before you are able to patrol the street.

Working in law enforcement and corrections is a lifestyle and you want to make sure you are applying to the right job for you. There are great opportunities for advancement in both areas so now is the time!