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Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

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The Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster is dedicated to protecting people and maintaining community safety. This includes everything from police officers who solve crimes to firefighters who rescue people from burning buildings to lawyers who help people understand their rights.

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People in this field work in many different places. Some patrol neighborhoods as police officers, or work in courtrooms as lawyers and judges. Others respond to medical emergencies as paramedics or investigate crimes as detectives. Some work in prisons helping people change their lives, while others protect important buildings and events as security guards.

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Why This Field Is Growing:

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  • Communities want more police officers and emergency responders to keep people safe

  • Cyber crimes are increasing, so we need more digital detectives

  • An aging population means more medical emergencies requiring paramedics

  • Terrorism threats require more security experts and homeland security professionals

  • New laws and regulations mean more lawyers and legal assistants are needed

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Cool Technology in Law & Public Safety:

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  • Body cameras that record everything police officers see and do

  • Drones that help search for missing people or monitor dangerous situations

  • DNA testing that can solve crimes from tiny pieces of evidence

  • Computer programs that can predict where crimes might happen

  • Virtual reality training that lets officers practice dangerous situations safely

  • License plate readers that automatically check for stolen cars

  • Fingerprint scanners that can identify people in seconds

  • Bulletproof vests are made from super-strong, lightweight materials

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In Virginia alone, this field employs over 150,000 people! Jobs for cybersecurity specialists, paramedics, and forensic science technicians are expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years.

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Probation & Parole 
Police Officer
Lawyer
Police Officer 

 

What They Do: Police officers are community protectors who keep neighborhoods safe by preventing crime, helping people in emergencies, and investigating when laws are broken. They're like real-life superheroes without the capes!

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Daily Tasks:

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  • Patrol neighborhoods in cars, on foot, or bicycles

  • Respond to emergency calls and help people in danger

  • Write reports about incidents and crimes they investigate

  • Interview witnesses and suspects to gather information

  • Direct traffic and investigate car accidents

  • Teach kids about safety at schools and community events

  • Work with detectives to solve complicated crimes

  • Testify in court about cases they've worked on

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What's Cool About This Job: You get to help people every single day and make your community a safer place. Plus, no two days are ever the same - you might rescue someone, solve a mystery, or help a lost child find their parents!

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Paramedic

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What They Do: Paramedics are medical heroes who rush to help people during the worst moments of their lives. They provide emergency medical care and transport patients to hospitals in ambulances.

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Daily Tasks:

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  • Respond quickly to 911 calls about medical emergencies

  • Check patients' vital signs and assess their injuries or illnesses

  • Give life-saving treatments like CPR or stopping bleeding

  • Use special medical equipment to help patients breathe or monitor their hearts

  • Safely transport patients to hospitals while continuing treatment

  • Communicate with doctors and nurses about patients' conditions

  • Keep detailed records of treatments given

  • Maintain and clean ambulances and medical equipment

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What's Cool About This Job: You literally save lives and help families during their most frightening moments. You get to use amazing medical technology and work as part of a healthcare team!

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Crime Scene Investigator 

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What They Do: Crime scene investigators are like scientific detectives who collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They use science and technology to help solve mysteries and catch criminals.

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Daily Tasks:

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  • Carefully examine crime scenes for clues like fingerprints, DNA, or fibers

  • Take detailed photographs and measurements of the evidence

  • Collect samples to analyze in a laboratory

  • Use special equipment to find evidence that's hard to see

  • Write detailed reports about what they found

  • Work with police officers and detectives to piece together what happened

  • Testify in court about the evidence they discovered

  • Use computers and databases to compare evidence from different cases

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What's Cool About This Job: You get to be a real-life science detective, using the latest technology to solve crimes and help bring justice to victims. Every case is like a puzzle waiting to be solved!

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Start in Middle School:

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  • Take science classes, especially biology and chemistry

  • Join safety patrol or peer mediation programs

  • Learn basic first aid and CPR

  • Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment

  • Visit local police and fire stations

  • Practice public speaking and communication skills

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Continue in High School:

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  • Join SkillsUSA or law enforcement exploration programs

  • Take criminal justice, emergency medical services, or legal studies CTE courses

  • Get part-time jobs in security or emergency services

  • Take dual enrollment classes in criminal justice or pre-law

  • Participate in mock trials or debate teams

  • Volunteer with local police, fire departments, or EMS services

  • Get certified in CPR, first aid, and basic life support

  • Job shadow police officers, paramedics, or court officials

  • Participate in ride-alongs with police or paramedics

  • Visit Virginia's criminal justice programs at VCU or George Mason University

  • Join youth police academies or cadet programs

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Technical Training (1-2 years):

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  • Jobs: Security Guards, 911 Dispatchers, Correctional Officers, Animal Control Workers

  • Average Salary: $30,000 - $40,000

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Community College (2 years):
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  • Jobs: Paramedics, Police Officers, Firefighters, Paralegals, Court Reporters

  • Average Salary: $45,000 - $65,000

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Four-Year College:

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  • Jobs: Detectives, Probation Officers, FBI Agents, Fire Investigators, Forensic Scientists

  • Average Salary: $60,000 - $85,000

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Advanced Degrees:

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  • Jobs: Lawyers, Judges, FBI Special Agents, Police Chiefs, Forensic Psychologists

  • Average Salary: $85,000 - $150,000+

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Try It Out!

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  • Take a first aid or CPR class

  • Visit your local police station or fire department

  • Shadow a police officer, paramedic, or lawyer for a day

  • Join your school's safety patrol or conflict resolution team

  • Volunteer at community safety events or health fairs

  • Watch court proceedings at your local courthouse

  • Learn about fingerprinting and other forensic techniques

  • Help organize school emergency drills

  • Participate in mock trial competitions

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Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia is home to the FBI Academy in Quantico, where all FBI agents train? Virginia also has some of the oldest police departments in America - the Virginia State Police was created in 1932! Many famous TV shows about crime and law enforcement are filmed in Virginia because of its rich history in law enforcement and proximity to Washington, D.C.

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Crime Scene Investigator
Lawyer with Clients
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