From the Sacramento County Probation Department to the Sacramento Police Department, the career fair provided criminal justice majors and others with law enforcement related job opportunities and information.

The fair, which was held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the University Union Ballroom, contained over 50 booths many of which were law enforcement.

Lead recruiter for the Probation Department Ron Barroga said that the turnout was far better than he had expected.

“The turnout has been great,” Barroga said. “We were recently at (the University of the Pacific) for a job fair and the turnout was relatively small. This one has definitely surpassed our previous experiences and expectations.”

Barroga went on to say that career fairs are important because they give students the chance to talk with different recruiters, ask questions and find out things they didn’t already know. He said the biggest misconception among people is how much education and experience one must have in order to apply for a job in law enforcement.

In order to be an aide for the probation department, a person most possess 60 or more total semester units, according to a departmental press release.

According to a press release from the Sacramento Police Department, one must complete 43 total semester units before being accepted into the police academy. An applicant will then receive an additional 17 units upon graduation from the academy making up a total of 60 required units, according to the release.

Likewise, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department does not require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, or any major for that matter, but instead offers preferential points which may result in a salary increase.

“We look more for a squeaky background than an AA or BA,” Deputy Ramon Aragon said. “We do, however, offer preferential points for both degrees, as well as for military experience.”

Sophomore recreation and leisure studies major David Lee said he was shocked to hear that a bachelor’s degree was not a minimum requirement for most law enforcement positions.

“I always assumed that you had to obtain a degree in criminal justice before they would even consider you, let alone hire you,” Lee said. “Knowing what I know now, I’m really considering a career in law enforcement.”

Ashley Evans can be reached at [email protected]