Careers In Law, Public Safety, Corrections &

Security

Police Officer Fire Fighters

Correctional Officer Security Officer

How are the careers similar?

Police OfficerShifts vary be department:8 hour shifts (3 per day)12 hour shifts (2 per day)

24 hours-7 days a week

Fire FightersMajority work 24 hours on and 48 hours off

Correctional OfficerMost work 8 hours/dayLocal jails may vary by department

Security OfficerNormal duties: 8-9 hours/daySpecial duties: hours will vary by duty or needOvertime/extended hours as necessary

When do they work?

Police OfficerAtlanta Police Dept.• Recruit-$34,726• HS Diploma-$39,327• Associate’s Degree-$40,704• Bachelor’s Degree- $42,128

Fire FightersAtlanta Fire Dept.• Fire recruit-$32,132.79. • After the Fire Academy,

starting pay begins at $35,255.25.

Correctional OfficerGeorgia Dept. of Corrections• Starting pay-$24,000

(approx.)

Security OfficerStarting salary-$9.00+/hr

Salary

Benefits

Benefits commonly provided by city/county employers• Health and dental insurance• Retirement• Life insurance• Long-term/short-term disability• Paid holidays• Uniform allowance• Take home car**

Police OfficerAtlanta Police Dept.• U.S. Citizen• Minimum age-20 years (20½)• Valid Driver’s License• HS Diploma or GED

Honorable military discharge

Fire FightersCobb County Fire Dept.• High School Diploma or GED

Equivalent • Must be 18 years of age on or

before test date • Must have a valid Drivers License • No Felony Convictions

Correctional OfficerGeorgia Dept. of CorrectionsMinimum Qualifications• Must be at least 18 years of age• Have a High School Diploma or GED• US Citizenship• No felony convictions

Security OfficerMinimum Qualifications• Must be at least 18 years of age• Have a High School Diploma or GED• US Citizenship• No felony convictions

Requirements to Apply

Discrimination in Hiring

• 1964-Omnibus Civil Rights Act– Prohibited discrimination in the private sector

• 1972-Equal Employment Opportunity Act– Prohibits discrimination in the private and public

sector– Based on race, color, sex, gender, religion, national

origin• 1990-Americans with Disabilities Act– Prohibits discrimination based on a disability