With strong interest in public safety and
national security, careers in law, public safety,
and corrections, are increasingly in demand.
Keeping citizens and the country safe is
the core mission of this career area. Career
pathways include working in corrections,
emergency and fire management, security and
protection, law enforcement, and legal services.
Careers range from probation officers to
firefighters to criminal investigators and lawyers.
Corrections workers have the responsibility to
watch over those under arrest, awaiting trial, and
serving time for crimes committed. Firefighters,
emergency medical technicians, and other
emergency workers keep citizens safe during all
types of disasters. Often they are first on the scene
to give help and treatment.
Security and protective services workers may
check credentials and inspect packages of people
entering or leaving businesses. Police officers and
other workers protect citizens and their property by
enforcing laws, investigating crimes and accidents,
and arresting criminals. While adhering to a strict
code of ethics, legal services personnel—such as
judges, lawyers, and paralegals—uphold the legal
system, which impacts all aspects of American life.
U.S. citizenship and no felony convictions are
the basic requirements of most jobs in this career
area. Some jobs require a high school diploma and
work experience. Others require formal training,
such as at fire-fighting or police academies, plus
two-year or four-year college degrees or law
degrees. Some careers require passing written
exams or tests of physical strength and endurance.
Warden
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Jail Administrator
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Mid-level Manager
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Program
Coordinator & Counselor
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Public Information Officer
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Correctional Trainer
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Case Manager
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Community
Corrections Practitioner
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Probation & Parole Officer
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Corrections Educator
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Corrections Officer
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Detention
Deputy
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Support Staff
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Youth Services Worker
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Facility Maintenance Worker
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Transport Officer
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Food
Service Staff
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Medical Staff
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Dietitian
Correction Services
Pathways and
Career Options
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