Criminal Justice and Protective Services Careers at The Criminal Justice Careers Guide


Criminal Justice and Protective Services Careers CJC Staff

The protective services career cluster includes occupations such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, fish and game wardens and security guards. Law enforcement officers are expected to understand and follow the law. They study constitutional law, civil rights, state and local laws, and accident investigation techniques. There is a rising demand for law enforcement officers and fire fighters across the nation. Most positions will be in smaller communities with expanding populations.

Fire fighters must have a high school education as well as pass rigorous tests of physical stamina. Experience as a volunteer fire fighter or training in fire fighting techniques in the military, along with completion of technical college courses in fire science, improve an applicant's chances for appointment.

Most protective services workers are government employees at the local, state, or federal level.

Below are the additional occupations in the protective services career cluster.

Sketch Artists

Sketch artists draw pictures of people based on witnesses' descriptions. Sketch artists are also called composite, forensic, or police artists. However, a sketch artist's goal is not to create art.

Fire Inspectors

Fire inspectors inspect buildings to detect fire hazards. Fires take lives and destroy property. Firefighters help protect the public against these dangers. Most fire departments have a fire prevention division.

Detectives and Investigators

Detectives and investigators gather facts and evidence for criminal cases. Detectives and investigators work in state and local police departments. They also work in a variety of federal agencies.
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