Sector profile
Events such as the 1998 ice storm, “Y2K”, September 11, 2001 (9/11), the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak, and the August 2003 blackout have raised public and government recognition of the vital role of Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services in ensuring the safety of Ontarians. Ontario now has some of the most rigorous community safety legislation in North America, and since 9/11, governments, NGOs, and private enterprise have all greatly enhanced their efforts to ensure the public’s safety and security. With these efforts have come various new programs and significant staffing increases within the sector. Police officer, firefighter, paralegal, soldier, emergency manager, correctional officer, conservation officer, border services officer, 911 dispatcher, lawyer are just some of the numerous and varied occupations in this sector.
Program requirements
In the Justice, Community Safety & Emergency Services major, students will take 8 credits in grade 11 and 12:
- 4 Justice, Community Safety & Emergency Services major credits
- 1 English credit (Grade 11 or 12)
- 1 Math credit (Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 co-operative education credits to gain workplace experience that helps you refine, extend and practice your Justice, Community Safety & Emergency Services knowledge and skills
Additionally, students will have opportunities for
- Experiential learning, career exploration and reach-ahead activities in Justice, Community Safety & Emergency Services
- Certifications and training programs in arts and culture, including:
- 4 compulsory certifications: Standard First Aid, WHMIS (generic), CPR (Level C) with AED, Conflict Resolution
- 3 additional certifications and/or training courses as specified in the sector-specific guide
- Engaging with a sector partner to explore sector-related content, skills, and knowledge involving either ICE (innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship), coding, or mathematical literacy.
Future career paths
For Justice, Community Safety & Emergency Services majors, possible career paths include:
- Apprenticeship – this sector does not yet offer apprenticeship training opportunities
- College – air traffic controller, court recorder, law clerk, paralegal, firefighter, forest fire officer, police officer, customs border services
- University – criminologist, forensics and criminology, lawyer, military officer, policy advisor, probation officer, youth worker – corrections, politics
- Entry level workplace – animal control officer, court clerk, court services officer, emergency services dispatcher, municipal law enforcement officer, private investigator, security guard
Get more information
Call the guidance department at the following schools that offer the Justice, Community Safety & Emergency Services SHSM program:
- Lester B. Pearson High School – 613-741-4525
- St. Francis Xavier High School – 613-822-7900
- St. Pius X High School – 613-225-8105