Students interested in this career pathway learn what it takes to protect and preserve the life and property of community members. This includes yet is not limited to learning how to do traffic control at community events, understanding the Arizona Revised Statue (ARS) and utilizing the code book as a tool.
It is important to understand the dynamics and demands of a career in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Being on the move is no stranger to individuals in this profession. You find yourself moving in and out of vehicles, being exposed to the elements of the weather all while having to gather pertinent information regarding the incident they are investigating and being able relay important information through radio communication.
Students in the VACTE Law Enforcement and Public Safety learn the basics of what the expectations and requirements are to further their career in the realm of this career cluster which may include, security officer, detention officer, and probation officer.
Upon completion of the program students have the potential of receiving 18 college credit hours towards their associate degree, they will be certified in Basic Defense Weapons Tactics by the Advisor who is a certified instructor through ASP, be CPR certified as well as being trained in crime scene investigations.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the student organization through SkillsUSA which is integrated into the curriculum. Through their student organization students are able to apply their investigative, public speaking and other job skills they have learned through the career and technology program and showcase them on a regional, state, and national level.
Our crime scene investigation team received gold in the regional competition in March of 2023 and went on to place in the top 10 on the state level. The student organization is currently considered a silver chapter indicating our students are actively involved in their student organization and are able to properly apply their job skills according to the mission of their student organization.
Being part of a career and technical education program with an advisor who comes with experience from the industry allows the students to have access to advanced level training, be competitive in the industry for employment opportunities and receive acknowledgement for the achievements of their hard work and dedication.