Career Education for San Diego & Imperial Counties

Public Safety & Government

Public safety and government are always in need of qualified candidates. Many employers in this industry have a list of skills in demand which include communication skills, creativity, critical thinking, detail-oriented, leadership, multitasking, organizational skills, planning, positive disposition, problem-solving, and teamwork/collaboration. Public safety is also categorized as a recession-resilient job, which has annual openings at or above the regional average, a median hourly at or above the living wage for San Diego County and has less than six percent employment decline between 2007 and 2010.

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View data from:

39,531
Total Employment (2025)
4,257
Total Annual Openings
$35.20
Median Hourly Wage

Jobs with Community College Programs

How much will I make per hour?

What can I train for? Job openings per year Entry-level Median Experienced
Correctional Officers and Jailers 216 $34.81 $42.64 $49.80 View programs
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 237 $50.29 $60.02 $61.65 View programs
Firefighters 293 $27.88 $34.09 $40.50 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers 30 $65.16 $69.21 $74.50 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers 59 $38.90 $47.86 $58.45 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 117 $64.91 $71.31 $89.64 View programs
Legal Support Workers, All Other 66 $29.76 $42.58 $54.96 View programs
Library Technicians 143 $22.80 $26.40 $29.46 View programs
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers 612 $39.56 $53.05 $59.48 View programs
Private Detectives and Investigators 32 $20.79 $23.78 $34.87 View programs
Security Guards 2,190 $17.85 $18.51 $21.93 View programs
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers 30 $27.85 $31.77 $43.77 View programs

Correctional Officers and Jailers

Job openings per year:

216

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $34.81/hr.
  • Median: $42.64/hr.
  • Experienced: $49.80/hr.

View programs

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Job openings per year:

237

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $50.29/hr.
  • Median: $60.02/hr.
  • Experienced: $61.65/hr.

View programs

Firefighters

Job openings per year:

293

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $27.88/hr.
  • Median: $34.09/hr.
  • Experienced: $40.50/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Job openings per year:

30

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $65.16/hr.
  • Median: $69.21/hr.
  • Experienced: $74.50/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

Job openings per year:

59

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $38.90/hr.
  • Median: $47.86/hr.
  • Experienced: $58.45/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Job openings per year:

117

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $64.91/hr.
  • Median: $71.31/hr.
  • Experienced: $89.64/hr.

View programs

Legal Support Workers, All Other

Job openings per year:

66

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $29.76/hr.
  • Median: $42.58/hr.
  • Experienced: $54.96/hr.

View programs

Library Technicians

Job openings per year:

143

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $22.80/hr.
  • Median: $26.40/hr.
  • Experienced: $29.46/hr.

View programs

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers

Job openings per year:

612

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $39.56/hr.
  • Median: $53.05/hr.
  • Experienced: $59.48/hr.

View programs

Private Detectives and Investigators

Job openings per year:

32

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $20.79/hr.
  • Median: $23.78/hr.
  • Experienced: $34.87/hr.

View programs

Security Guards

Job openings per year:

2,190

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $17.85/hr.
  • Median: $18.51/hr.
  • Experienced: $21.93/hr.

View programs

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Job openings per year:

30

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $27.85/hr.
  • Median: $31.77/hr.
  • Experienced: $43.77/hr.

View programs

Top Employers & Skills

Employers

  • Allied Universal
  • United States Department of Homeland Security
  • Securitas
  • Inter-Con Security Systems
  • American Security Programs
  • Blackstone Consulting
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • CoreCivic
  • GardaWorld
  • Iron Wall Security

Specialized skills

  • Emergency Response
  • Law Enforcement
  • Site Security
  • Patrolling
  • Good Driving Record
  • Alarm Devices
  • Access Controls
  • First Aid
  • Contraband Detection And Control
  • Lifting Ability

Technology & software skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • R (Programming Language)
  • Spreadsheets
  • Zoom (Video Conferencing Tool)
  • Virtual Camera Systems
  • Microsoft Access

Employability skills

  • Customer Service
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Operations
  • English Language
  • Management
  • Investigation
  • Professionalism
  • Interpersonal Communications
  • Report Writing

Sources: Lightcast 2026.3. Compiled by the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.

Correctional Officers and Jailers

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 deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.

Sample of reported job titles:

Booking Officer, Community Services Officer (CSO), Correctional Officer, Corrections Officer (CO), Deputy Jailer, Detention Deputy, Detention Officer, Jail Officer, Jailer, Jailor

Tasks:

  • Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
  • Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
  • Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
  • Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
  • Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Count prison inmates or personnel.
  • Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
  • Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
  • Locate suspicious objects or vehicles.
  • Search individuals for illegal or dangerous items.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 93% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 85% responded “Every day”
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People – 84% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 87% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 74% responded “Extremely important”
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Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Sample of reported job titles:

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Criminal Investigator, Detective, Fugitive Detective, Fugitive Investigator, Investigator, Narcotics Detective, Narcotics Investigator, Police Detective, Special Agent

Tasks:

  • Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
  • Package, store and retrieve evidence.
  • Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
  • Testify in court and present evidence.
  • Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Document legal or regulatory information.
  • Write operational reports.
  • Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
  • Analyze crime scene evidence.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 97% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 81% responded “Every day”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 81% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 78% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 71% responded “Extremely important”
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Firefighters

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.

Sample of reported job titles:

Fire Engineer, Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Fighter, Fire Management Specialist, Fire Technician (Fire Tech), Firefighter, Forest Fire Suppression Specialist, Forestry Fire Technician (Forestry Fire Tech), Hot Shot, Wildland Firefighter

Tasks:

  • Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
  • Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
  • Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
  • Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
  • Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Rescue people from hazardous situations.
  • Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
  • Assess characteristics of fires.
  • Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
  • Locate fires or fire danger areas.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 85% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 77% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 83% responded “Extremely important”
  • Physical Proximity – 65% responded “Very close (near touching)”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 67% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

Sample of reported job titles:

Correctional Officer Captain, Correctional Supervisor

Tasks:

  • Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
  • Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws.
  • Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
  • Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
  • Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Count prison inmates or personnel.
  • Use weapons or physical force to maintain security.
  • Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
  • Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
  • Direct operations of correctional facilities.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 95% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 92% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 84% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety – 77% responded “Very high responsibility”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 86% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

Sample of reported job titles:

Engine Boss, Fire Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Chief, Fire Suppression Captain, Forest Fire Specialist Supervisor, Section Forest Fire Warden

Tasks:

  • Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
  • Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
  • Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
  • Communicate fire details to superiors, subordinates, or interagency dispatch centers, using two-way radios.
  • Serve as a working leader of an engine, hand, helicopter, or prescribed fire crew of three or more firefighters.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Request emergency personnel.
  • Direct fire fighting or prevention activities.
  • Rescue people from hazardous situations.
  • Administer first aid.
  • Assess characteristics of fires.

Work Context:

  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety – 84% responded “Very high responsibility”
  • Contact With Others – 77% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 78% responded “Extremely important”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 67% responded “Every day”
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results – 68% responded “Very important results”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Sample of reported job titles:

Captain, Deputy Sheriff, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Patrol Sergeant, Police Captain, Police Chief, Police Lieutenant, Police Sergeant, Shift Supervisor

Tasks:

  • Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
  • Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
  • Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
  • Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
  • Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Direct criminal investigations.
  • Prepare activity or work schedules.
  • Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
  • Resolve interpersonal conflicts.
  • Train employees in proper work procedures.

Work Context:

  • Telephone – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Electronic Mail – 95% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 96% responded “Every day”
  • Deal With External Customers – 89% responded “Extremely important”
  • Contact With Others – 78% responded “Constant contact with others”
View more information on this job

Legal Support Workers, All Other

All legal support workers not listed separately.

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Library Technicians

Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

Sample of reported job titles:

Circulation Clerk, Library Aide, Library Assistant, Library Associate, Library Clerk, Library Media Technician, Library Specialist, Library Technical Assistant (LTA), Library Technician, Page Technician

Tasks:

  • Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  • Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  • Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
  • Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
  • Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Process library materials.
  • Provide information to the general public.
  • Help patrons use library or archival resources.
  • Classify materials according to standard systems.
  • Maintain operational records.

Work Context:

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 96% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 80% responded “Every day”
  • Electronic Mail – 88% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 60% responded “Every day”
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work – 48% responded “A lot of freedom”
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Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers

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 police officers working at educational institutions.

Sample of reported job titles:

Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Officer, Peace Officer, Police Officer, Police Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, State Trooper

Tasks:

  • Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
  • Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
  • Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
  • Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
  • Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.
  • Examine personal documentation to ensure that it is valid.
  • Apprehend criminal suspects.
  • Maintain public order or security.
  • Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.

Work Context:

  • Deal With External Customers – 84% responded “Extremely important”
  • Contact With Others – 83% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 84% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 81% responded “Every day”
  • Frequency of Decision Making – 83% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Private Detectives and Investigators

Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.

Sample of reported job titles:

Asset Protection Detective, Field Investigator, Investigator, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Associate, Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Investigator, Loss Prevention Officer, Private Investigator, Special Investigator

Tasks:

  • Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
  • Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
  • Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
  • Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual’s character, financial status, or personal history.
  • Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Prepare investigation or incident reports.
  • Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.
  • Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
  • Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.
  • Investigate crimes committed within organizations.

Work Context:

  • Telephone – 94% responded “Every day”
  • Electronic Mail – 80% responded “Every day”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 80% responded “Extremely important”
  • Freedom to Make Decisions – 64% responded “A lot of freedom”
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work – 60% responded “A lot of freedom”
View more information on this job

Security Guards

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

Sample of reported job titles:

Armed Security Officer, Campus Security Officer (CSO), Custom Protection Officer (CPO), Customer Service Security Officer, Hotel Security Officer, Loss Prevention Officer, Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent, Security Guard, Security Officer

Tasks:

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Block physical access to restricted areas.
  • Patrol properties to maintain safety.
  • Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies.
  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
  • Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.

Work Context:

  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety – 95% responded “Very high responsibility”
  • Deal With External Customers – 95% responded “Extremely important”
  • Contact With Others – 90% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Telephone – 63% responded “Every day”
  • Freedom to Make Decisions – 68% responded “A lot of freedom”
View more information on this job

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Sample of reported job titles:

Abstractor, Commercial Title Examiner, Searcher, Title Abstractor, Title Agent, Title Examiner, Title Officer, Title Searcher

Tasks:

  • Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify factors such as properties’ legal descriptions, ownership, or restrictions.
  • Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use.
  • Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities and outlining actions needed to clear titles.
  • Copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles.
  • Verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
  • Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
  • Prepare legal documents.
  • Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
  • Confer with court staff to clarify information.

Work Context:

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 100% responded “Extremely important”
  • Electronic Mail – 96% responded “Every day”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 96% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 85% responded “Every day”
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work – 78% responded “A lot of freedom”
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Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.

Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.

Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common” or “soft” skills) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.