PSESI Frequently Asked Questions for High School Students

What careers are included under law enforcement and emergency services?

Law Enforcement includes Police, County Sheriff, State and County Corrections, State Department of Public Safety, State Game and Fish, and Federal agencies including FBI, Tobacco and Fire Arms, National Park Service, and the Boarder Patrol.
This institute is designed to serve these and other agencies as well as persons interested in private security.
Emergency Services includes Fire Science, Public Safety Communications, Paramedics, and EMTs.

What level of education must I attain?

A high school diploma is a minimal requirement. More and more of our public safety personnel are seeking higher education. To move up through the ranks, you should consider getting at least a two-year Associate's Degree and better still, a four-year Bachelor's Degree. The Public Safety and Emergency Services Institute is a response
to this need for higher education. The number of professionals desiring to go on for Master's Degrees and even Doctorates is increasing each year.

Which high school courses are best for a public safety career?

The courses typically recommended for college bound students are the best choice. Be sure you include algebra, biology, chemistry, and physics in your program plus all the writing courses you can take.

What kind of physical condition must I be in?

It is often erroneously believed that only big, strong individuals will be chosen to be trained in the law enforcement and emergency services. This is not necessarily true. Average individuals make up the majority of professionals. Obviously you should be in good health and fit to train your body for the rigors of these professions. But you also have to be sound psychologically and motivated to constantly improve and learn.

Do I have to pass a lot of tests?

Yes. There are many kinds of tests - some written and others to evaluate physical and mental skills. These tests are given throughout your career! If you are not a good test-taker, Pima College has courses to help you improve these critical test-taking skills. Modern public safety personnel are well educated and must be able to learn new concepts and techniques rapidly.

What if I have a police record?

Every person considered for a position with a public safety agency will have a complete background check. Each agency has its own criteria, but a felony conviction is generally considered grounds for not hiring. Contact the individual agency to which you are applying for a copy of their own criteria. Also, you will be tested for drug use and many drugs are detectable in your system for long periods of time!

The Pima College Public Safety and Emergency Services Institute is an entity of the Pima County Community College's Workforce and Business Development, Tucson, Arizona.