Law, Public Safety & Security:
Skills & Job Outlook for this Career Cluster
On The Job:
- Many public safety and security positions require workers to meet physical health, strength or endurance requirements.
- Some workers in this industry have to work evening, weekend or overnight shifts. They might also be on-call to respond to emergencies at any time of day.
- Many of these positions require a high level of teamwork. Coworkers depend on each other to protect their safety and well-being.
- Lawyers are sometimes self-employed as "solo practitioners." Other occupations, like firefighters, corrections and police officers, work for local or federal government agencies.
- Workers in forensic positions need to have lab experience and knowledge in biology, chemistry or applied science.
- Drug tests and criminal background checks are common for employees in this industry.
What Skills Do You Need?
- People orientation to communicate with all types of people in different settings.
- Patience when working with clients who are angry, scared, frustrated or stressed.
- Confidentiality to guard clients' private information.
- Critical-thinking skills when making decisions about the lives of others and possible consequences.
- Selective attention to notice details about people and situations.
- Physical stamina to stand for long periods of time or endure long, stressful work shifts.
- Problem-solving skills to know rules and methods to analyze data.
Job Outlook: GOOD
Growth in this industry is related to changes in the global climate and societal concerns. Cities, counties and the state are major employers of public safety employees and need employees who can respond to natural and other disasters.
The economy plays a big role in the demand for legal workers. When the economy is doing well, the public has more money for legal services, increasing the demand.
Military experience is good training for many public safety and security positions.
Advancement into management or specialized positions is common in this industry, but usually after significant work experience. In police or fire departments, passing an exam is required for most promotions.
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