The Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security cluster uses your love of people and passion for your community to prepare for careers in law, public safety, and security. Responsibilities may include protecting people from harm, crime, or natural disasters. Job opportunities range from public safety officers to legal services.
Skills for the Law & Public Safety Industry
- Communication
- Ability to lift 20-100 lbs
- Safety
- Security
- Planning
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS IN Law & Public Safety
City of Roanoke Police Department
Roanoke County Police Department
Virginia Department of Corrections
Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black
Explore Different Careers in Law & Public Safety
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment. Includes: Officer, Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent, Security Guard, and Security Officer.
Average Income: $37,000 per year
Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes: Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Officer, Peace Officer, Police Officer, Police Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, and State Trooper.
Average Income: $53,500 per year
Education: Vocational Training
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law. Includes: Attorney, Attorney at Law, Attorney General, City Attorney, Counsel, Deputy Attorney General, General Counsel, and Lawyer.
Average Income: $152,800 per year
Education: Graduate Degree
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers. Includes: Adoption Social Worker, Case Manager, Case Worker, Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker), Family Protection Specialist, Family Resource Coordinator, Family Service Worker, and Foster Care Social Worker.
Average Income: $49,400 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance. Includes: Fire Engineer, Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Fighter, Fire Management Specialist, Fire Technician (Fire Tech), Firefighter, and Forest Fire Suppression Specialist.
Average Income: $40,700 per year
Education: Vocational or On-The-Job Training
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. Includes: Certified Paralegal, Corporate Law Assistant, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Assistant, Paralegal Specialist, and Real Estate Paralegal.
Average Income: $52,300 per year
Education: Associate’s Degree or On-The-Job Training
Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes: Booking Officer, Community Services Officer (CSO), Correctional Officer, Corrections Officer (CO), Deputy Jailer, Detention Deputy, and Detention Officer.
Average Income: $46,600 per year
Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants. Includes: Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Lifeguard, Marine Safety Officer, Ocean Lifeguard, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist, Pool Attendant, Pool Lifeguard, Ski Patrol Paramedic, and Ski Patroller.
Average Income: $25,600 per year
Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force. Includes: Police Captain and Shift Supervisor
Average Income: $87,300 per year
Education: Vocational or On-The-Job Training
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. Includes: Confidential Secretary, Coordinating Legal Practice Assistant, Judicial Administrative Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant, Legal Administrative Secretary, Legal Coordinator, Legal Office Support Assistant, and Legal Secretary.
Average Income: $41,700 per year
Education: Vocational or On-The-Job Training