Protective Services
The Legal and Protective Services program at Quincy High is a dynamic and immersive experience that introduces students to a wide array of careers, including but not limited to police officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), FBI agents, and more. Through hands-on activities, field trips, and partnerships with local agencies such as the Quincy Police, Massachusetts Sheriff’s Office, Quincy District Court, and Quincy Fire Department, students gain valuable insights into the human and legal aspects of these demanding professions. Guest speakers from various law-related careers provide an inside view of the industry, while comprehensive coursework prepares students for certification exams, including the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch 911 exam.
Throughout the program, students acquire essential skills and develop a professional resume and portfolio, setting them up for success in college, training programs, or employment.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Upon completion of our program, students have a myriad of post-graduate opportunities, ranging from pursuing higher education to entering the workforce directly.
The program equips students with the knowledge and certifications necessary for a seamless transition to college, training programs, or employment in the legal and protective services field.
Many police departments, including the Massachusetts State police, require a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of police academy training, and an exam. Some departments may require a college degree or college coursework. A degree may improve your chance of being hired. 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. Military service can give applicants an advantage with potential employers.
Many careers require a 4-year degree and/or advanced degree such as lawyer, judge, or medical examiner.
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 coursework.
Careers
Our career training opens doors to a diverse range of professions, including roles such as local and state police officers, EMTs, court officers, corrections officers, FBI agents, forensic technicians, Homeland Security, Secret Service agents, private security, emergency dispatchers, and firefighters.
Seventy-five percent of protective services professionals work on local police forces and 11% work on state police forces. Seven percent are employed by the Federal government. About 7% work in fish and game, Homeland Security, private security, court officers, and transportation.
Average Salary
The potential earnings in the legal and protective services field are competitive. The average salary for police officers in Massachusetts is $73,560, while firefighters average $65,550. Overtime pay is common, further boosting income. FBI agents, with their specialized roles, earn an average of $114,040.
Industry/Career Outlook
Legal and Protective Services employment is expected to grow by 7% over the next 10 years. Excellent opportunities exist within local and state police forces, although competition is keen for coveted FBI positions. With the expansion of Homeland Security, there are increased hiring opportunities, though you may be required to relocate to other parts of the country.
Equipment/Software Training
Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Corrections, Criminal Procedure, Drugs in American Society.
Certifications/Licenses
Students may graduate from our program with the following certifications:
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American Heart Association – Adult, Child, Infant CPR, AED
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American Heart Association – Adult and Pediatric First Aid
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American Heart Association – Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider
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911 Certification
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FEMA: Active Shooter: What You Can Do
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FEMA: Workplace Security Awareness
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FEMA: Introduction to Homeland Security Planning
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FEMA: Introduction to Incident Command System
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CareerSafe
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Certificate of Occupational Proficiency – Criminal Justice
Articulation Agreements
New England Institute of Technology – 12 credits
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CJ110 Criminal Justice - 4 credits
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CJ112 Corrections - 4 credits
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CJ114 The Court System - 4 credits
Quincy College Pathways Program – 15 credits
Students who take Criminal Justice 1 may receive college credit
Students who take Criminal Justice 2 may receive college credit
Students who take Criminal Justice 3 may receive college credit
- CJS 202 Introduction to Corrections – 3 credits
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
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English
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Foreign Language
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Pathways
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1 Elective Course
Grade 10
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English
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Foreign Language
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Criminal Justice 1
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1 Elective Course
Grade 11
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English
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Criminal Justice 2
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1 Elective Course
Grade 12
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English
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Criminal Justice 3
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3 Elective Courses