From protecting communities to shaping public policies, careers in the Public Service and Safety cluster play an important role in keeping individuals and society safe, fair, and organized.
This cluster is made of several related categories. Public Safety focuses on safeguarding communities, and includes organizations like police departments, security firms, and correctional facilities. Military and National Security includes the armed forces, government agencies, and private companies that defend the nation at home and abroad. And the Judicial System includes courts and law firms.
The Public Service and Safety cluster also includes local, state, and federal government agencies. Local agencies support community resources like parks, libraries, and recreation centers. Emergency response organizations are also part of this cluster. They deal with natural disasters, fires, accidents, and other urgent situations.
The Public Service and Safety industry is evolving rapidly, especially with technological advancements. For instance, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are reshaping how public safety is maintained. A growing focus on mental health and community policing is also transforming the way many services are delivered.
In addition, global challenges are influencing the work of Public Service and Safety. Climate change and pandemics, for example, have highlighted the need for new crisis management strategies. Together, these trends create new opportunities—and new challenges—for workers in the field.
Here are some quick facts about the Public Service and Safety career cluster:
- Nearly 3 million people are employed by the federal government while about 20 million are employed by state and local governments.
- The U.S. military has more than 2 million active and reserve personnel.
- Employment in most areas of Public Service and Safety is expected to remain relatively unchanged over the next decade.
- Many roles require a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to serving others.
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