The Protective Services program introduces students to a variety of careers including police officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), or FBI agent. Students participate in law enforcement activities including trips and exercises with Quincy Police, Massachusetts Department Of Corrections, Quincy District Court, Quincy Fire Department, U.S. Customs, and many other agencies. Protective Services students work closely with the Quincy Police Department to better understand the human and legal aspects of these demanding careers. Speakers from many law-related careers give students an inside view of protective services careers. During Protective Services 3, students prepare to pass the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch 911 certification exam. Students leave this program with a resumé and their own portfolio for application to college, training programs, or employment.
What you can do with Protective Services career training?
Protective services encompass many types of jobs including:
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Local and State Police officers
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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
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Court officers
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Corrections officers
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FBI. agents
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Forensic technicians
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Border patrol
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Immigration and Customs (ICE)
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Secret Service
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Private security
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Emergency dispatch
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Fire fighters
Training you need:
Some jobs only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Police departments sometimes require 1-2 years of college and successful completion of police academy training and an exam. The FBI requires a 4-year college degree, fluency in a foreign language and 3 years of work experience or a graduate degree and 2 years of experience.
Where you can work:
Seventy-five percent work on local police forces, 11% work on state police forces, 7% are employed by the Federal government, about 7% work in fish and game, Homeland Security, private security, and transportation.
What you can earn:
Average pay for police officers is $35,600-$59,880. Overtime pay is common and boosts the salary earned. FBI agents earn $60,199-$94,268.
Career outlook:
Personal protection employment is expected to grow 11% over the next 10 years. Opportunities in local and state police forces will be excellent. Competition is keen for FBI jobs. Applicants with college degrees and military experience or several years of police experience have the best chance at securing FBI jobs.
Certifications or Licenses You May Earn While in High School:
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Protective Services Program Certificate
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National Academies Emergency Dispatch 911 Certification
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Adult, Infant, and Child CPR
Equipment/software you will learn to use:
Administration Of Justice Power Point Curriculum, McGraw-Hill Introduction To Criminal Justice 4th Edition, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator course.
What kind of job can you get with this training?
Security guard, police officer, fire fighter, corrections officer, court officer, loss prevention, park ranger, parking enforcement, emergency dispatcher, private security, or state police officer.
With additional training/education, what jobs are available?
Social worker, FBI agent, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). DEA agent, Secret Service officer, U.S. border patrol, U.S. Treasury Department, U.S. Air Marshall, lawyer, fire scientist, forensic scientist, postal police officer, probation officer, or crime scene investigator.
What you should know...
While it is possible to enter the Protective Services career field with a high school diploma or GED, an increasing number of careers require at least a bachelor's degree. Many jobs require a high score on the Civil Service Exam which may be taken beginning at age 19. Students take practice exams as part of their course work. Military service can give applicants an advantage with potential employers.
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
English
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Pathways
1 Elective Course
Grade 10
English
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Protective Services 1
1 Elective Course
Grade 11
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Protective Services 2
1 Elective Course
Grade 12
English
Social Studies
Physical Education
Protective Services 3
3 Elective Courses