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U.S. Marshal In Baltimore Credits Rewarding Career To Outstanding Educational Achievements

For Baltimoreans aspiring to excel in law enforcement careers, it is advisable to have a strong sense of duty and courage despite the circumstances at hand. Years ago, as a Bowie State football player on a full academic scholarship, young Avon Jackson displayed these characteristics. A motivated achiever, he would later graduate from college magna cum laude with a concentration in Criminal Justice. Today, as a Criminal Investigator Deputy for the U.S. Marshals, Avon Jackson credits his rewarding leadership career to an early determination to triumph in education.

Where did you receive your post-secondary education? What was your major?

"B.A., Bowie State University - Sociology with a Criminal Justice concentration."

Do you think that your education is helpful to your current occupation? 

"Without a doubt my education is helpful in my profession. I conduct in-depth research and perform interviews daily to locate criminals. Upon arresting a fugitive, I am required to write investigative reports that are reviewed by higher officials in my agency and at times used for prosecution by the United States Attorney's Office. The experience I gained in college researching and writing papers is paramount to these aspects of my job."

How has your education shaped your career achievements to date?

"Education is what put me in position to obtain my current job to begin with. To be hired by the US Marshals Service, prior experience is required in either the military or law enforcement field, and absent one of those a Bachelor's Degree is mandatory."

Do you have any advice to others who are interested in having a leadership position in Criminal Justice?

"My advice would be to fully research the career and the position for which they plan to pursue because with leadership also comes great responsibility and accountability. Oftentimes you are asked to make decisions and take actions that may be unpopular to public opinion but are fully lawful and in fact necessary for the proper performance of your duties, and enforcement of the law. It takes a person of strong moral character and discipline to perform our job and be an effective and respectable leader. "

Keisha Oduor is a professional writer and entrepreneur who resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She has a degree in Communications and French from New York University with work experience in publishing, nonprofits, healthcare administration and program management. Her work can be found on Examiner.com"

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