Protective Service: Schools and Careers

About Protective Service

Occupations in Protective Service vary greatly and are mainly focused on safety and security - from protecting the public against various types of dangers to fire fighting to emergency response to enforcing safety rules and regulations to crime investigations to private detective work, and much more. Individuals will find a variety of Protective Service jobs in both public and private sectors. Examples of the many types of professions include, but are not limited to:

• Fire Fighters: only two types, 1) forest Fire Fighters focused on forests and rangelands, and 2) city Fire Fighters focused on all other types of fires
• Probation Officers
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
• Transit and Railroad Police
• Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers
• Police and Sheriffs Patrol Officers
• Correctional Officers and Jailers
• Prison Guards
• Supervisors of Officers, Sheriffs, Guards, etc. (ranks vary and include, but are not limited to sergeant, deputy, lieutenant, captain, and chief)

While each profession has its own specific set of characteristics, skills, abilities, and requirements, some of the more commonly shared include, but are not limited to:

• working 40 hours/week that can include overtime, weekends, and evenings
• working both indoors and out (with exposure to heat and cold conditions)
• interacting and communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates throughout a shift
• for the most part, working as part of a team but with the ability to work alone
• often wearing protective and safety attire/gear (although many detectives are "plainclothes investigators")
• making decisions, resolve issues, and negotiate (as appropriate)
• communicating with individuals from within and outside their organization
• working with the public, and at times, in conflict situations
• being highly responsible and trustworthy
• possessing knowledge of law, government, and jurisprudence
• possessing knowledge of protecting people, property, and data

Protective Service Career Education

For the most part, individuals entering a career in Protective Service must:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED. Note that some occupations (e.g., Probation Officer or Supervisor-level roles) require applicants to possess at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, public administration, or a related field. Many universities and technical colleges offer formal degree programs in criminal justice. Studies in these programs include criminology, criminal procedure, justice, and communication and management skills.
• Complete specialized training programs (as applicable to the occupation).
• Pass a medical exam and drug-screening test.

Special training programs, again depending on the type of occupation, are available and can take anywhere from a few months up to five years to complete. Some fire departments, police departments, and academies offer apprenticeship and special training programs.

While on-the-job training is available for a variety of occupations (e.g., Probation Officer, Police and Detective Supervisors), they also generally require a minimum of three or four years' work-related experience as a prerequisite and can take anywhere from a few to several months to complete. Note that requirements for specific occupations vary by state.

Recognized certification programs and examinations are available. They enhance one's knowledge in a specific occupation or discipline and afford better career opportunities. Requirements vary by state.

Schools for Protective Service are listed in the column to the left.

The Subcategories tab lists career specialties for Protective Service, each of which has a full page profile on the site.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.

The Videos tab lets you watch videos describing many of the career specialties for Protective Service.