NCJ Number
223604
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: 2008 Pages: 159-172
Date Published
2008
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article explores the potential need for high school programs related to the security and protection industry.
Abstract
A working group reached a consensus suggesting that a private security and protection services curriculum would be useful; this type of curriculum could begin to meet the demands of the future job market if the curricula was rigorous and focused on ethics, critical thinking, technology skills, writing skills, business skills, and an understanding of legal issues. This paper reports the results of focus group meetings conducted in Georgia to discuss the demands of the future job market as it relates to private security services and secondary education. The private security and protection services industry has experienced tremendous growth in the 21st century. In an effort to prepare individuals for the job market, some States and individual high schools have begun to develop public safety programs that include private security curricula. The State of Georgia started this process in 2003. This paper seeks to raise questions about the feasibility and utility of such curricula. The work was the result of focus groups conducted with 70 individuals in a 1 day session. Working groups consisted of key stakeholders in Georgia including high-school educators and industry representatives, while the Georgia Department of Education representatives addressed the questions. A discussion of the need for and direction of these programs was grounded in the work products of these groups. Tables, references