Humboldt County Office of Education: Public Service | CTE at Arcata High

Public Services/Public Safety

Do you have a strong sense of integrity and a desire to serve your community? This dynamic course provides students with a foundational understanding of the careers and systems that keep our society safe.

The Public Services pathway is designed for students interested in the challenging and rewarding professions in law, emergency response, and public safety. This course explores three critical fields:

Law Enforcement

Delve into the fundamentals of police work. Students will explore constitutional law, patrol procedures, criminal investigations, and the importance of community policing and ethical conduct.

Firefighting & Emergency Services

Explore the science and strategy behind fighting fires. This unit is planned to cover fire behavior, suppression techniques, hazardous materials, and the vital role of emergency medical response (EMS) in public safety.

Legal Practice

Gain an inside look at the American legal system. Students will examine foundational theories of jurisprudence (the philosophy of law) and see how they apply to landmark case law in constitutional law, tort law, and contract law.

Throughout the course, students can expect to develop practical skills in leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Potential activities may include analyzing simulated emergency scenarios, exploring forensic techniques, and discussing the ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in the field.

This class is the first step for any student considering a career as a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, attorney, paralegal, or in any related public service profession.