Those who work in the criminal justice system assist local, state and federal government to maintain social order and control crime.

Within the system, there are a wide range of careers and occupations that all play an important role in upholding and enforcing the rule of law.

Perhaps the most visible or familiar arm of the criminal justice system is the police force. Police officers and detectives work on the front line of the fight against crime and as a result their work can be stressful and dangerous, the Department of Labor said.

Uniformed police officers are employed by county, state and federal governments and their duties range from patrolling neighborhoods and answering calls to working in specialist units, such as emergency response, special weapons and tactics or dog teams.

Plain clothes detectives, meanwhile, investigate criminal cases in particular areas of crime, such as homicide or fraud. Detectives work on a case until they make an arrest and conviction, or the case is dropped.

Law enforcement officers also work for federal agencies such as the FBI, the Drugs Enforcement Administration, the US Marshals or the Department of Homeland Security.

A number of legal jobs also play an important role in the criminal justice system. For example, lawyers working in criminal law conduct the prosecution or defense of people charged with crimes in court.

Paralegals, meanwhile, support lawyers by conducting research, writing case reports and preparing legal documents.

Judges and magistrates ensure court cases are conducted fairly and they apply the law in the event of a conviction.

Those found guilty of a crime often receive a probationary or custodial sentence. At local and state level, correctional officers are responsible for overseeing those serving jail time, while probation and parole officers work with those on probation to ensure they do not commit further crimes by devising rehabilitation plans and making supervisory visits.

In these and other criminal justice careers, qualifications must be backed up by the highest ethical standards and a desire to make a difference by protecting the public, supporting victims and bringing criminals to justice.