6 answers
Issac
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
2378 views
What are things i should know for a public safety career ?
I have been looking forward to getting into and public safety career since I was a kid and never really knew where I should start. What are things i should study or learn to prepare for that career what schools should I try getting into or anything that could get me into a career like that. Usually I’ll spend time study laws and what would or could happen while I’m on the clock but never fully know what I should be looking into if I want a career like public safety so any knowledge you have could greatly help me in my studies.
6 answers
Bradly Philippi
firefighter paramedic
3
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
Bradly’s Answer
Issac,
As the others mentioned, public safety is a broad term. So, I will give you an example of my path. I obtained my Basic EMT license and discovered I enjoyed learning about emergency medical care. I then found a local volunteer fire department to join. The volunteer department helped me obtain specific firefighter certifications. I then completed a paramedic program and applied for and was offered a Job as a career firefighter/paramedic, and have been doing that same job for 26 years now. Many community colleges offer classes in emergency medical care, law enforcement, and other public safety fields. To find out if you like a certain field, you can look into ride-along programs or visit a fire station and talk to folks on duty. Good luck in your search.
As the others mentioned, public safety is a broad term. So, I will give you an example of my path. I obtained my Basic EMT license and discovered I enjoyed learning about emergency medical care. I then found a local volunteer fire department to join. The volunteer department helped me obtain specific firefighter certifications. I then completed a paramedic program and applied for and was offered a Job as a career firefighter/paramedic, and have been doing that same job for 26 years now. Many community colleges offer classes in emergency medical care, law enforcement, and other public safety fields. To find out if you like a certain field, you can look into ride-along programs or visit a fire station and talk to folks on duty. Good luck in your search.
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Isaac, it all depends on what facet of public safety you are talking about; this is a broad topic. I am thinking it could range from security officer, police officer, FBI investigator, homeland security, coast guard, national park ranger/crime investigator, to something like urban planning where you design safe and efficient urban landscapes or transportation studies. You might enter into local government (politics) or study law. Something like immigration law would definitely be in service of the community. Then there is the palette of positions within the justice department such as a parole or corrections officer. You might even say that cybersecurity could fit into this (public safety) category or engineering (we need capable bridges and buildings for instance). These careers will all require a different academic and training path. For criminal justice/forensic related- study criminal justice or something within the social services realm. For law, you will need a graduate degree but your undergraduate studies could be in almost anything ranging from philosophy, religious studies, to political science. Training in the military could be a great entry point into police work or private security; it may also become its own career. For a parks career, studying a field science like forestry (for example) is recommended. I suggest you think about your personal strengths- are you athletic, academic (enjoy studying, reading, learning and memorizing facts), creative, enjoy working on a computer for long periods, etc. How long would you prefer to be in school and are you okay with the financial commitment? Are you wanting an active job or something more sedentary? Do you want to solve problems and use your cognitive power or prefer something more physical and intuitive? Have fun exploring all the possibilities to best match your specific goals and personality with potential options.
Wendi Wade
Attorney
9
Answers
Caledonia, Illinois
Updated
Wendi’s Answer
Great question, Issac!
Picking a career path and knowing where to go to school can be overwhelming because there are so many choices. The good news is, there are tools and people who can help!
I like to think of things in "buckets." In your situation, there is a bucket of public safety jobs of which you are likely already aware. Things like police officer, firefighter, etc. There is also a second bucket -- public safety jobs you never imagined existed!
I recommend taking questionnaires designed to help you find careers that fit your interests, especially to help you see what jobs may be available in that "second bucket." Personally, I rolled my eyes every time I had to take one of these tests in high school. BUT, one of the questionnaires I took suggested "court reporter" and "lawyer." I did not even know what a court reporter was (it's the person in a courtroom with the machine writing down every word said) and I never pictured myself as a lawyer -- though I did find law interesting. Turns out, I first became a court reporter and eventually went on to become a lawyer. Keep an open mind and use those tools!
If you have any interest in a specific job, talk to someone employed in that job. If you don't know anyone, work with an adult/guidance counselor to help locate someone. Ruling out interests is just as helpful as finding things that do interest you. Talking with people and experiencing new environments will help you find your way.
My advice is to look at your career as a journey. Gravitate toward what interests you each step of the way, and always be open to changing your mind. For example, if someone likes the idea of being an engineer but really despises math, that is a recipe for heartache.
Picking a career path and knowing where to go to school can be overwhelming because there are so many choices. The good news is, there are tools and people who can help!
I like to think of things in "buckets." In your situation, there is a bucket of public safety jobs of which you are likely already aware. Things like police officer, firefighter, etc. There is also a second bucket -- public safety jobs you never imagined existed!
I recommend taking questionnaires designed to help you find careers that fit your interests, especially to help you see what jobs may be available in that "second bucket." Personally, I rolled my eyes every time I had to take one of these tests in high school. BUT, one of the questionnaires I took suggested "court reporter" and "lawyer." I did not even know what a court reporter was (it's the person in a courtroom with the machine writing down every word said) and I never pictured myself as a lawyer -- though I did find law interesting. Turns out, I first became a court reporter and eventually went on to become a lawyer. Keep an open mind and use those tools!
If you have any interest in a specific job, talk to someone employed in that job. If you don't know anyone, work with an adult/guidance counselor to help locate someone. Ruling out interests is just as helpful as finding things that do interest you. Talking with people and experiencing new environments will help you find your way.
My advice is to look at your career as a journey. Gravitate toward what interests you each step of the way, and always be open to changing your mind. For example, if someone likes the idea of being an engineer but really despises math, that is a recipe for heartache.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Isaac!
Know that Public Safety initiatives are the essential efforts to protect our citizens and to preserve our way of life, not letting disasters and rogue elements ruin our lives and detract from our standard of living.
There are 18,000 distinct agencies of law enforcement in the United States! It is a vast and intricate network. This decentralized approach, rooted in the nation’s federal system, allows for specialized enforcement of US laws at different levels of government.
There are many aspects to public safety. In the USA, the Police are the largest single agency to deal with threats to the safety of the public. This is reinforced by the National Guard.
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, President John F Kennedy in 1963, the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King in 1968. Events such as these incrementally change public policy with each occurrence.
SEE https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/public-safety/
JC
Know that Public Safety initiatives are the essential efforts to protect our citizens and to preserve our way of life, not letting disasters and rogue elements ruin our lives and detract from our standard of living.
There are 18,000 distinct agencies of law enforcement in the United States! It is a vast and intricate network. This decentralized approach, rooted in the nation’s federal system, allows for specialized enforcement of US laws at different levels of government.
There are many aspects to public safety. In the USA, the Police are the largest single agency to deal with threats to the safety of the public. This is reinforced by the National Guard.
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, President John F Kennedy in 1963, the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King in 1968. Events such as these incrementally change public policy with each occurrence.
SEE https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/public-safety/
JC
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Isaac, it all depends on what facet of public safety you are talking about. I am thinking it could range from security officer, police officer, FBI investigator, homeland security, coast guard, national park ranger/crime investigator, to something like urban planning where you design safe and efficient urban landscapes. You might enter into local government (politics) or study law. Something like immigration law would definitely be in service of the community. Then there is the palette of positions within the justice department such as a parole or corrections officer. You might even say that cybersecurity could fit into this (public safety) category. These careers will all require a different academic and training path. For criminal justice/forensic related- study criminal justice or something within the social services realm. For law, you will need a graduate degree but your undergraduate studies could be in almost anything ranging from philosophy, religious studies, to political science. Training in the military could be a great entry point into police work or private security; it may also become its own career. For a parks career, studying a field science like forestry (for example) is recommended. I suggest you think about your personal strengths- are you athletic, academic (enjoy studying, reading, learning and memorizing facts), creative, enjoy working on a computer for long periods, etc. How long would you prefer to be in school and are you okay with the financial commitment? Are you wanting an active job or something more sedentary? Do you want to solve problems and use your cognitive power or prefer something more physical and intuitive? Best of luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Issac,
I love that you have had this in your heart since you were young, and the fact that you are already researching regulations and potential conditions at work indicates to me that you have the proper attitude for it.
The term "public safety" is broad. Working in emergency management, disaster response, law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency medical technician (EMT) can be examples of this. Basic skills are the same, yet each has its unique path.
Right now, focus on:
- Communication – clear speaking, active listening, calming tense situations.
- Fitness – most jobs will test your strength, stamina, and agility.
- Law basics – keep learning about criminal law and citizens’ rights.
- First aid/CPR – certifications look good and can save lives.
- Situational awareness – noticing details and making quick, good decisions.
- Integrity – being someone people can trust, even under pressure.
High school is a good place to start, after which you can look at universities or community schools that offer courses in emergency management, fire science, or criminal justice. Specialized training, such as the police or fire academy, is usually needed after being employed.
Getting experience doesn't have to wait till you graduate. Find out whether there is a community emergency response team, police explorer program, or junior firefighter program in your region that you can join right now. Attend open houses at police or fire stations. Speak with those who are already working on it.
The job involves more than just following the rules; it also involves safeguarding others, making difficult decisions under pressure, and cooperating with others. You'll be ahead of the game when you're ready to apply if you begin to develop these skills now.
Best wishes!
I love that you have had this in your heart since you were young, and the fact that you are already researching regulations and potential conditions at work indicates to me that you have the proper attitude for it.
The term "public safety" is broad. Working in emergency management, disaster response, law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency medical technician (EMT) can be examples of this. Basic skills are the same, yet each has its unique path.
Right now, focus on:
- Communication – clear speaking, active listening, calming tense situations.
- Fitness – most jobs will test your strength, stamina, and agility.
- Law basics – keep learning about criminal law and citizens’ rights.
- First aid/CPR – certifications look good and can save lives.
- Situational awareness – noticing details and making quick, good decisions.
- Integrity – being someone people can trust, even under pressure.
High school is a good place to start, after which you can look at universities or community schools that offer courses in emergency management, fire science, or criminal justice. Specialized training, such as the police or fire academy, is usually needed after being employed.
Getting experience doesn't have to wait till you graduate. Find out whether there is a community emergency response team, police explorer program, or junior firefighter program in your region that you can join right now. Attend open houses at police or fire stations. Speak with those who are already working on it.
The job involves more than just following the rules; it also involves safeguarding others, making difficult decisions under pressure, and cooperating with others. You'll be ahead of the game when you're ready to apply if you begin to develop these skills now.
Best wishes!
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