Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

If you're into making a real difference, a law, public safety, corrections or security career may be in your future. Opportunities include protecting communities, enforcing laws and managing emergencies. Whether you want to be a lawyer, first responder or work in security, these roles focus on serving and safeguarding the public.

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Career Pathways

Correctional Services
Emergency and Fire Management Services
Law Enforcement Services
Legal Services
Security and Protective Services

Common Majors To Study

Peace Studies
Dispute and Conflict Resolution
Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing
Corrections
Psychology
Cyber Forensics
Paralegal Studies
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology
Disaster Management

In-Demand Jobs in This Industry

Now’s your chance to explore some of the most popular and sought-after roles in the law, public safety, corrections and security industry.

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Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Median Salary

60,970

Job Outlook

+17%

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Median Salary

64,940

Job Outlook

+14%

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.

Median Salary

39,210

Job Outlook

+13%

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Security Guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Median Salary

37,070

Job Outlook

+13%

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

Median Salary

61,800

Job Outlook

+8%

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

Median Salary

48,890

Job Outlook

+7%

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.

Median Salary

50,680

Job Outlook

+7%

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.

Median Salary

71,540

Job Outlook

+6%

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Military Jobs in Action

Sonny Gomez

Lieutenant | Coast Guard

Marine Investigator

As a marine investigator, Sonny knows boats and waterways inside and out. But that’s only half her story. The other half unfolds on land in the courtroom, leading investigations and digging into maritime law.

Read Sonny’s Story

Military Jobs in This Industry

In many ways, finding and excelling at a job in the Military is the same as finding one anywhere else. Here you can explore those opportunities in greater detail.

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Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Court Reporters

In the Military, court reporters create word-for-word transcriptions at trials, depositions, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings. They record the proceedings and prepare or supervise preparation and assembly of typewritten, summarized, or verbatim transcripts. Court reporters review records of proceedings for administrative completeness and technical accuracy.

Median Salary

N/A

Workforce Count

N/A

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Corrections Caseworkers

Corrections caseworkers provide individual and group counseling and assist prisoners in achieving successful transition back to military life. They perform initial and weekly reviews and assist in prisoner evaluation. They monitor and report significant behavioral changes and participate in treatment, clemency, parole, and work assignments. They also review and apply policies and directives, and support communication between unit and confined personnel.

Median Salary

138,444

Workforce Count

326

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Lawyers

A military lawyer's job is similar to a civilian lawyer in their duties with the distinction of representing clientele under the jurisdiction of military courts and law. Military lawyers provide legal advice and services on a wide variety of issues including international law, operations law, and environmental law, as well as military and civilian personnel issues. From trial preparation to post-trial actions, lawyers provide important legal counsel every step of the way.

Median Salary

114,196

Workforce Count

2,878

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Field / Combat Medics

Field/combat medics are trained to provide medical care in an operational or combat environment. They provide frontline trauma and medical care to deployed personnel. They care for those suffering from disease as well as those injured in combat. In addition to being prepared to work in combat, these health professionals are often trained in health concerns related to specific conditions, such as those encountered during diving or flight operations.

Median Salary

80,431

Workforce Count

3,282

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Judges

Military judges are selected by the Judge Advocate General and play many roles in the Military. They preside over trials, interpret the law, assess the evidence presented, and control how hearings and trials transpire in their courtrooms.

Median Salary

114,196

Workforce Count

2,878

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Emergency Medical Technicians

EMTs are health professionals trained to respond quickly to emergency situations. Military EMTs provide emergency medical treatment, limited primary care, force health protection, and evacuation assistance in a variety of operational and clinical settings from point of injury or illness through the continuum of military healthcare. They perform basic diagnostic and laboratory tasks. They may work in military health facilities or in the field.

Median Salary

87,799

Workforce Count

9,696

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Search and Rescue Operations Officers

Search and rescue operations officers are responsible for organizing and leading rescue missions to support personnel in distress. They direct and participate in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) operations. These officers possess core survival skills, such as swimming/diving and medical aid skills, and train, develop, and assess these skills in other personnel.

Median Salary

95,536

Workforce Count

11,956

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Military Intelligence Officers

Intelligence officers provide a service that is crucial for our national defense. These officers develop and execute plans, policies, and procedures that facilitate intelligence functions. They are experts on all intelligence disciplines and their application across the spectrum of military operations. They may conduct counter-intelligence operations to safeguard against adversarial threats. Some intelligence officers specialize in one form of intelligence, such as imagery, signals, or human intelligence.

Median Salary

128,297

Workforce Count

12,908

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Your Guide to Career Planning

What’s the plan? Great question. Get a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know as you prepare for your journey into a new career.

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Explore a Path of Growth and Purpose

Discover how the Military can be a transformative chapter in your journey, offering growth and valuable skills while leaving room for future opportunities.

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