Sacramento Criminal Justice Degree Leads To Work As A Secret Agent

There are many jobs that one can get with a Criminal Justice degree, but there's something especially exciting about a job as a secret agent. Michael Greene, an Agent for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, has a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and an Associate of Liberal Arts Degree from Long Beach City College.

What does your job as an agent entail?

"I currently work as an agent in our Special Operations Unit and the primary function is to provide an effective enforcement strike force to address the following problems and activities: disorderly premises investigations; underage drinking; major narcotics investigations; prostitution; gambling; field enforcement training; inter-agency law enforcement task force operations; special events; and training. The Special Operation Unit is the primary rapid response team for Mutual Aid Request through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services."

What is your advice for recent graduates?

"Never give up. Law enforcement is a hard job to get into right now because of the state and local budget problems, but times are changing and agencies are hiring again. Keep yourself morally clean so that when you enforce the law, you can do so knowing that you have kept the law yourself."

Why should someone get a degree in Criminal Justice or a similar field?

"Get a degree in Criminal Justice if you believe that is what your passion is. There are many jobs for those with a Criminal Justice degree - from local, state and federal law enforcement to probation, victim support and teaching. If I had it to do over again, I would get a degree in business or a related topic and minor in Criminal Justice because most agencies just want you to have a degree and not just a Criminal Justice degree. Having an open-ended degree will open up more doors if you are unable to get hired by a law enforcement agency."

Megan Bowyer is a freelance writer in search of the best food and drinks that Sacramento has to offer. You can find her at any number of dive bars or trendy restaurants; just look for the short blonde feeding the jukebox. Her work can be found at "Examiner.com"