Public Service & Safety

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Creating the conditions so people can live, work, and gather.

We serve to protect people. We are often the first to act in times of crisis. Our work requires courage, discipline, and a willingness to face risk so others can feel safe. We reach every corner of a community, providing stability in uncertain moments and reassurance when it is needed most. Be a presence people rely on in chaos, the force that restores order, and the commitment that keeps communities safe.

We Care for Our Communities

We choose to step forward in moments of safety, order, and response.

  • We are the first on the scene of emergencies to bring calm, care, and action in the most critical moments.

  • When communities face uncertainty or threat, we are the law enforcement officers and public safety professionals who stand present, prepared, and committed to protecting others.

  • We uphold fairness and accountability, ensuring justice is carried out with integrity and responsibility.

  • And in the moments most people hope never to face, we are the steady presence—the trained, disciplined individuals who bring clarity to chaos and reassurance to those in need.

Our work is not without risk. It requires courage, sacrifice, and a willingness to put others first. But it is also deeply honorable, rooted in service, trust, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves.

The Career Options

Emergency Response

Plan for and respond to emergencies like disasters, fires, and accidents.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives

  • Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer

Multiple police cars with flashing red and blue lights parked on the street at sunset, with a fire truck visible in the background.
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Three arrows made of orange dots pointing to the right.
Three arrows made of orange dots pointing to the right.

Military & National Security

Protect the nation through defense, strategy, intelligence, and technology.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Blockchain Engineer (Computer Science)

  • Cartographer and Photogrammetrist

  • Computer System Engineer

  • Digital Forensic Technician

  • Information Technology Project Manager

  • Manager

  • Regulatory Affairs Manager

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Judicial Systems

Uphold the law and ensure justice and fairness for people and organizations.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Lawyer

  • Forensic Science Technician

A judge's gavel resting on a wooden table in a courtroom.
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Local, State, & Federal Services

Serve the public through shaping policy, planning communities, and managing services.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Biostatistician

  • Statistician

  • Community Health Worker

  • Compliance Manager

  • Human Resource Manager

  • Social & Community Service Manager

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Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Detective and Criminal Investigator

  • Private Detective and Investigator

  • Crossing Guard and Flagger

  • First-Line Supervisor of Security Workers

  • First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives

  • Intelligence Analyst

Public Safety

Protect communities, manage corrections, and keep people safe by preventing crime and maintaining public order.

Three arrows made of orange dots pointing to the right.
A police officer wearing a vest with the word 'POLICE' on the back, standing at night with police cars with flashing lights in the background.
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Infographic showing local and regional career outlook for Hancock County, comparing the number of students with aptitude and interest in various career clusters, average wages, and top occupations with projected growth, including details about education levels and typical job responsibilities.

Meet Some of Our Locals

The opportunities in this career field aren’t somewhere else—they’re already here. From local employers doing meaningful work to education and training programs preparing the next generation, Hancock County (and the greater Northwest Ohio region) offers real ways to explore, learn, and get started.

Choose your direction.

Get Trained
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Firefighter Training at Apollo Career Center is home to the region’s only live burn facility and the state’s only extrication training vehicle. Offers training for individuals pursuing volunteer or professional positions. Image of fire jackets and he
Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training Academy at Owens Community College is accredited by the Ohio Attorney General, and trainees must pass a physical fitness test, background/criminal history check, physical examination and drug screening. Image from Ow
Forensic Science program at Bowling Green State University, with access to an on-campus location for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), students gain hands-on experience in forensic science and criminal investigation. Image of person ha
State Fire School at Bowling Green State University helps firefighters and emergency responders expand their skills in leadership, investigation, technical rescue, and more. Free, online courses and paid, in-person courses available. Image of firefig
Criminology program at Heidelberg University allows students to learn how to analyze data to determine why crimes are committed and to find ways to predict, deter, and prevent further criminal behavior. Image of a faculty member helping a student on
Law School at Ohio Northern University, where students receive guaranteed clinical and externship opportunities. Strong academic support program prepares graduates for success on the bar exam – not only in Ohio but also across the country. Image from
Criminal Justice program at Tiffin University offers experiential learning that facilitates realistic crime scene analysis, cold case involvement, and criminal interviewing. All students participate in professional internships – from local police dep
National Security program at Tiffin University is a premier national security program focusing on the workings of American political and governmental processes, national security and the intelligence community. Image of a military command center with
White Collar Crime and Fraud Investigation program at the University of Findlay includes expert faculty with field experience in areas such as fraud, crime scene investigation, corrections, loss prevention and juvenile justice serve as professors and
Law School at the University of Toledo is a top school in the nation for practical training, public service, and the greatest resources for women...100% of students participate in a clinic, externship, or simulation course before graduation. Image of

City of Findlay

The City of Findlay operates multiple departments, including streets, engineering, taxation, fire & police, parks & recreation, public works, water & sewer, the airport, and more. The City is responsible for various aspects of community, government, and business operations.

Learn More

Address: 318 Dorney Plaza, Findlay, Ohio

The City of Findlay Municipal Building, a multi-story brick government building, with several flagpoles displaying flags, including the American flag, in front.

Hancock County

Hancock County’s government sector includes responsibilities for auditing, legal/courts, engineering, records, taxation, and safety. Departments within the county include job and family services, public health, elections, solid waste/recycling, and veteran services.

Learn More

Address: 300 South Main Street, Findlay, Ohio

The historic Hancock County courthouse with a clock tower.

Additional Resources

  • Local Career Opportunities

    Raise the Bar compiles local career exploration and immersion experiences for K-12 students and adult career seekers. Options include local, regional, and state programs.

    Download Resource

  • Industry Snapshot Report

    Lightcast data for the 17-county Northwest Ohio region provide details on demographics, in-demand skills, and job turnovers for the public administration sector.

    View Snapshot

  • Industry Profile

    Advance CTE provides a national perspective on the public service & safety cluster. Information includes labor market information, emerging careers, and required training.

    View Profile

  • Ohio H.S. Industry-Recognized Credentials

    The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce lists approved industry credentials attainable by students pursuing law and public safety career tech pathways.

    Find Credentials

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections/Security Pathway

    OhioMeansJobs offers an interactive visual to explain the law, public safety, corrections & security career pathway. Careers span entry level to expert.

    Try Tool

  • CareerOneStop Videos

    Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop provides numerous videos highlighting careers in this cluster.

    Watch Videos