Part Two Exploring Career Options
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This career cluster involves planning,
managing, and providing judicial, legal,
and protective services. Employed by state
and local levels, emergency service person-
nel fight fires and prevent crime. Attor-
neys, dispatchers, bailiffs, security guards,
and inspectors are some related positions
in this cluster.
At the federal level, public safety work is
more specialized. FBI agents work on cases
involving terrorism, organized crime, and
violations of federal law. Treasury Depart-
ment agents investigate the suspicious use of
credit cards and illegal gun sales.
Criminal matters plus many other
issues are handled by the U.S. court system.
Other issues include labor disputes, wills,
divorces, business contracts, real estate, and
bankruptcy. Lawyers advise clients of their
legal rights and represent them in court.
Law clerks help research the facts of a case.
Many careers in this cluster require, at
minimum, technical training and success-
ful completion of preemployment tests. For
instance, applicants for firefighting jobs gen-
erally must pass a written exam as well as
tests of strength, physical stamina, coordina-
tion, and agility. Law enforcement officers are
often trained in their agency’s police academy,
which includes classroom instruction in laws
and accident investigation along with train-
ing in traffic control, use of firearms, first aid,
and emergency response. Training require-
ments in legal services depend on the type of
work performed. Some careers require a two-
year degree, and many require a master’s or
doctoral degree.
Renewed national interest in public
safety and security has expanded opportu-
nities for employment in this career cluster.
Numerous job openings will stem from
employment growth in corporate, indus-
trial, and homeland security.