Criminal Justice Associations and Journals

Criminal justice is a field that requires continuous learning. You do not need to go back and earn a variety of degrees to continue learning. There are plenty of associations you can join and journals you can read to help you stay informed about the latest news and trends in criminal justice.

Associations:

There are a variety of associations dedicated to specific jobs in the criminal justice field. These associations are great places to learn the latest industry news and find out about training classes, seminars, and workshops you can take. Plus, they offer you the opportunity to build your networking connections. Below is a list of National Associations you can join. There are also many state and regional associations dedicated to these jobs.

• National Association of Police Organizations - NAPO works to advance issues important to police officers across the country. The association hosts an annual convention along with seminars on legal and legislative topics. They also manage the TOP COP awards which recognize officers who exhibited outstanding service throughout the year. Their website posts news about legislative activities that may ultimately impact the law enforcement community.
• Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association - This non-profit, non-partisan association represents law enforcement officers from more than 65 different federal agencies. Their primary goal is to keep members informed about legislative issues that can impact their jobs and their financial futures. Retired and current officers are invited to join. The association also offers a generous scholarship program for the children of current, retired, or deceased members.
• American Correctional Association - For over 135 years, this association has been working to assist corrections workers across the globe. They offer a series of online accredited corrections training programs focusing on mental health, adult corrections, community corrections, and juvenile justice. Networking opportunities abound at their annual conferences and training workshops. Plus, they manage a job bank devoted to corrections positions.
• American Academy of Forensic Science - Evidence technicians, criminalists, attorneys, and document examiners are just a few of the professions who can benefit from the services this academy offers. Professional development, networking, job boards and industry wide recognition are just a few of the benefits. Students who are interested in forensic science can participate in the Young Forensic Scientist's Forum to learn more about this field.
• The International Crime Scene Investigators Association - This association is for individuals working as a C.S.I. or thinking about becoming one. The association's site links to upcoming seminars and workshops throughout the country, hosts a job board, and provides information about training and certification programs. People considering a career as a C.S.I. can learn more about the profession, basic crime scene processing kits, and crime scene photography.
• United States Association of Professional Investigators - USPAI is the only nationwide association for professional investigators. Members network through regional seminars and conferences and learn about the latest trends and industry news in PI Magazine. Plus, they are invited to list their services in an exclusive directory.

Journals:

Journals give you the chance to learn about changes in law enforcement procedures, updates to the current law code, and advances in forensic science without having to attend seminars, lectures, or workshops. Journals are often designed for a specific criminal justice field. Here is a quick look at a few of the criminal justice journals available.

• The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin - Since 1932, the FBI has published this monthly bulletin that covers topics of interest to the law enforcement community. Articles will cover a wide range of topics including police patrolling, effective firearms training, changes in protocols, reporting accuracy, and legislative and judicial issues.
• The Corrections Compendium - The American Correctional Association publishes this research oriented and peer-reviewed journal four times a year. Each issue contains a mix of featured articles, state and national criminal justice news, commentary by professional and academics, book reviews, and international profiles.
• Journal of Forensic Sciences - The American Academy of Forensic Science produces this journal for their members. A wide variety of forensic science topics are covered including current trends, technology advances, regulatory updates, and new research methods. A subscription will also provide you access to more than 7,000 pages of back issues.
• Journal of Criminal Justice - Published six times a year, this journal covers national and international criminal justice topics. Articles discuss corrections issues, policing policies, society's role in helping chronic offenders, rehabilitation practices, and the impact technology has on law enforcement.
• PI Magazine - Private investigators do not have their own research oriented journal, but they do have an informative magazine they can reference. Magazine features discuss surveillance techniques, pros and cons of working for different organizations, small business tips, technology reviews, books to read, and upcoming investigation seminars and workshops