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Criminology Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Serve as a police patrol officer enforcing Federal criminal laws and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) involving persons and property. * Protect government property, materials and ...

Serve as a police patrol officer enforcing Federal criminal laws and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) involving persons and property. * Protect government property, materials and ...

Special Agent

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site +1

$67K - $147K/yr

Candidates with 1811 Criminal Investigator status are able to maintain their 1811 designation. Learn more about this agency Duties Help WHAT YOU'LL DO All Special Agents are responsible for the ...

Work Release Officer - PT

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Specifically, conducts background and criminal history checks. Investigates and documents incidents of work release rules violations, obtain and execute warrants, and performs secure transport of ...

Technician

Decatur, AL

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. Commitment to Diversity * Ambipar Response is always looking for the most qualified and experienced professionals with a passion for ...

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Criminology information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$50.1K

$72.6K

$126.6K

How much do criminology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for criminology in Decatur, AL is $72,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in criminology, and why are they important?

Excelling in criminology requires a strong background in criminal justice, statistical analysis, and research methodologies, usually supported by a degree in criminology or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, crime mapping tools, and legal databases is often vital. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills. These qualifications are crucial for accurately studying crime patterns, drawing insightful conclusions, and communicating findings to diverse stakeholders.

What can I actually do with a criminology degree?

A criminology degree prepares individuals for careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, forensic analysis, and crime prevention. Graduates often work as police officers, probation officers, crime analysts, or in security roles, utilizing skills in research, analysis, and understanding criminal behavior.

What is criminology?

A criminology job involves studying crime, criminal behavior, and the justice system to understand and prevent criminal activity. Professionals in this field may work in law enforcement, corrections, forensic analysis, research, or policy development. They analyze crime patterns, evaluate rehabilitation programs, and assist in criminal investigations. Careers in criminology can range from criminal profilers and forensic psychologists to police officers and policy advisors.

What careers come from criminology?

Criminology graduates can pursue careers such as criminal investigator, forensic analyst, probation officer, crime scene investigator, law enforcement officer, and corrections officer. These roles often require knowledge of criminal behavior, investigative techniques, and legal procedures, and may involve working in law enforcement agencies, forensic labs, or correctional facilities.

Is criminology a good career path?

Criminology is a field that involves studying crime, criminal behavior, and the justice system, often requiring strong analytical and research skills. Careers in criminology can include roles such as crime analysts, probation officers, or forensic specialists, with opportunities in government agencies, law enforcement, and research institutions. Job prospects depend on education level, experience, and specialization, and some positions may require certifications or advanced degrees.

What are some typical career paths for professionals with a background in criminology?

Professionals with a criminology background can pursue various career paths, including roles such as crime analyst, criminal investigator, forensic specialist, policy advisor, or academic researcher. Many start in research or analytical roles with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, or private organizations before advancing to leadership or specialized positions. Opportunities for advancement often come with experience, additional training, or higher education, allowing individuals to focus on areas like criminal profiling, crime prevention, or policy development. Collaborative teamwork with law enforcement, legal professionals, and community organizations is a common aspect of the job and enables diverse avenues for professional growth.

What are popular job titles related to Criminology jobs in Decatur, AL? For Criminology jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Criminology jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Criminology job openings:
Infographic showing various Criminology job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,598 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Senior Criminal Investigator (SSA)

Office of the Inspector General

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$125K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
The Office of the Inspector General is one of the best places to work in the Department of Justice and is one of the premier inspector general offices in federal government. The Investigations Division (INV) investigates alleged criminal violations and misconduct that govern DOJ employees, operations, grantees, and contractors. Annually INV receives more than 13,000 complaints, opens approximately 250 investigations, and makes an average of over 90 arrests.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This position falls under the direction of the Investigations Division. The selectee to this position will remain in their current office and geographic duty location.
If you are selected as an Senior Criminal Investigator (SSA), your responsibilities would include, but would not be limited to:
  • Provides quality assurance of investigations and report drafting within the field office as part of a National Quality Assurance strategy. The agent may lead teams of criminal investigators and other OIG employees (GS-13 and below) assigned to this or other offices or perform critical, time-sensitive investigations. The incumbent provides technical support and guidance to other criminal investigators regardless of grade.
  • Serves as a highly-skilled investigator and lead a team of investigators and other OIG employees, in conducting the most sensitive, complex and challenging investigations and assists the field office management in the overall direction and application of resources to complete priority investigations.
  • Plans, organizes and personally conducts investigations with regard to a wide variety of allegations received by the OIG that typically involve extremely complex, difficult, or sensitive criminal or administrative investigations of major importance and high-level interest and misconduct allegations involving high-ranking officials of the Department of Justice.
  • Communicates to the team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion.
  • Participates as a member of management in developing field office policy and in the implementation of Division-wide policy relating to quality, investigative techniques, and procedures.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must successfully pass and are subject to random drug screenings.
  • You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • You may be subject to a probationary period.
  • You must maintain firearm proficiency and successfully pass periodic tests.
  • You must pass and maintain medical qualifications.
  • You must maintain a valid state issued driver's license.
  • Age requirement: Before your 37th birthday for entry in a primary law enforcement position. (Veterans please see OPM Vet Guide https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/).
  • You must provide a Certificate of completion for Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers or an equivalent Federal law enforcement basic training academy.
  • This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. The incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.

Qualifications
Probationary Information:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- Your performance and conduct.
- The needs and interests of the agency;
- Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level obtained in the public sector. (Specialized experience is paid or unpaid experience which has equipped you with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.) Examples of specialized experience include such duties as: the ability to conduct multi-jurisdictional and multi-defendant investigations relating to bribery, fraud, theft, abuse, violations of civil rights, planning and conducting surveillance and undercover work, testifying as a government witness before grand juries and in court regarding criminal cases
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade level (or equivalent).
Firearms: Criminal investigators are required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is mandatory.
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. The day immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday will be the last day to be referred for selection consideration. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are a preference-eligible veteran or if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. ยง 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. ยง 8412(d).
Medical Examination: Individuals must meet the established medical standards and/or physical requirement for the position, proving they are medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently. A medical examination will be conducted. Any disease or condition that may potentially interfere with the safe and efficient performance of the job's duties or training may constitute grounds for medical disqualification. Medical qualification determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. If additional medical information is recommended beyond that provided at the pre-employment examination, it is provided at the expense of the tentative selectee.
Drug Testing: This job has been identified as "testing designated" under our Drug-Free Workplace Program. Therefore, you must satisfactorily complete a drug test prior to being hired. The agency will schedule, provide and pay for the drug test. Once on board, you will be subject to random drug testing.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): As a law enforcement officer you will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week. These positions require substantial overtime to include holidays, weekends and nights. You must be readily accessible to perform this unscheduled work. To ensure your availability, you will receive extra compensation in the form of Law Enforcement Availability Pay, which is calculated at a flat rate of 25 percent of base salary.
Education
There are no education requirements for this position.
Additional information
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). The CTAP/ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for CTAP/ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and (for scored examining) score 85 or better on established ranking criteria OR (for category rating criteria) rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is at: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
DOJ EEO Statement/Policy: http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdf
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.