Do you have the urge to save people in distress or take feasible measures to safeguard the interest of the civilians at the time of crisis? If you have answered these questions in the affirmative, then obtaining a degree in public safety and security would pave the way for a bright career for you.

Terrorism, politically motivated riots, wars, accidents and natural disasters have made it imperative to revise current public safety measures. These events have thus made the study of Public Safety even more necessary in United States. There is growing demand for trained professionals in the field of Public safety and security. Many young aspirants are joining this noble profession in huge numbers and are undoubtedly the future heroes of the American nation.

Whenever there is a catastrophe, it is but natural for people to get panicky and worsen the situation. Though immediate paramedical help and rescuers reach the spot to save lives of the people, most of time it is too late for some to survive the ordeal. This calls for a greater number of people to join public safety services.

With the ever increasing problem of population explosion, sudden adverse situations such as earthquakes are bound to endanger the lives of people especially in congested cosmopolitan cities. It’s high time that current disaster management systems are improvised to suit to the current needs of the society at large. This calls for setting of advanced technology in relation to response systems and command systems. Rescue teams and agencies have to develop effective measures to cope with the changing demands.

The U.S. government has invested huge sum in creating new agencies at different levels which are committed to deliver using well trained quick task forces.

This career is quite a challenging field. If you wish to join these services, obtaining recognized public safety degrees, public security degrees or public safety and security degrees from a reputable institute, college or school could give a boost to your career.

Here is a list of some universities, colleges and schools catering to courses in public safety and public security:

1. Walden University – offers Doctorate Program in Public Policy, Public Administration.
2. Capella University provides Masters Degree in Public Safety Leadership and Emergency Management
3. University of Maryland provides online Bachelors degree in the course of Emergency Management.
4. Bellevue University – provides both Bachelors and Masters degree in Security Management.

Public Security Degrees obtained from online mode of education are also called as public safety degrees. You have the option to go in for Bachelors or Masters online programs. These programs have theory and practical papers on public safety ethics, leadership, social leadership and crisis management. Online mode of securing public security degrees is quite popular among working professionals in the U.S.

Do you have the passion for solving mysteries and fight for the cause of justice? If you have a strong desire to punish offenders damaging the integrity of your nation and restore peace, then working with the CIA is the right profession for you.

CIA is an abbreviated form for Central Intelligence Agency. It functions as a civilian intelligence organ of the U.S. government. CIA has its headquarters based in Langley that lies in Fairfax County of Virginia. The basic purpose of CIA revolves around collection of confidential information related to foreign countries, analysis of the information and giving advice to U.S. top government officials. This agency is not only responsible to carry out undercover operations but also indulges in paramilitary actions as and when the need arises.

This organization came into existence during the post World War II period and was known as Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The main purpose of the CIA during this time was to co-ordinate espionage movements between various branches of the U.S. military. Gradually, its functions have been expanded to include demolition, sabotage, anti-sabotage and evacuation. It also plays a key role in supporting underground resistance struggle, guerrilla, anti-communist as well as refugee liberation elements threatening the harmony of free world nations.

Inspired by mysteries like Doomsday Conspiracy, many tend to develop the notion that working as a CIA agent is a lucrative and adventurous career but they should rethink their ideas. The job of a CIA agent is quite demanding so far as work hours and risks are concerned. Secondly, the selection procedure can be a lengthy tedious task fulfilling which does in no way assure appointment to your desired work profile. Undercover agents form only a small fraction of the whole CIA framework. The rest of the work includes mundane job profiles. You have to evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses to know if they really would suit the job profile you are opting for with CIA.

Here are some basic prerequisites for joining the CIA:

Possession of U.S. Citizenship

Clean background that is free from illegal activities, illegal drugs and alcoholism.

Personal attributes of an ideal citizen imbibing patriotism, integrity, ethics and sound judgment.

Good academic performance at college level. All CIA recruitment require a minimum qualification of Bachelor’s degree with GPA score 3 and above on a scale of 4.

So far as subjects are concerned no specific criteria has been laid by the CIA recruitment department. However as per the job profile, graduates possessing major’s degree in international studies, economics, science or mathematics are much in demand.

Fluency in one or two foreign languages would be an added advantage especially for the posts of clandestine services. Fluency refers to the ability to speak as well as the natives of respective languages.

It seems that almost everything now relies in internet and computers – entertainment, communication, transportation medicine, shopping, etc. How much of your life is dependent on internet? How much of your information is stored on your or someone else’s computer? With such a high dependency on computers, neglecting the increase in Cyber crime is extremely harmful.

Cyber security actually protects your personal information by responding, detecting and preventing the attacks. Cyber security is actually introduced to decrease cyber crimes. All banking institutions and businesses today run their business online. Hackers can hack your computer system and misuse your personal information and pictures. Various other dangers associated with cyber crimes are entry of virus into your system, altering your files, change of passwords, stealing credit card information and make unauthorized purchases.

Today, there are several universities and colleges that are offering Cyber Security degrees. In associated degree program you can learn about cyber forensics, data encryption, network security, etc. In the associate degree program a student is taught to use the recent technology and ensure that digital information communication is carried in an appropriate manner that is secured from surveillance or attack by expert hackers and malevolent computer users. Organizations and businesses will have ascending requirement for cyber professionals in future to protect their company’s records and private information.

A degree in this field will provide you with an opportunity to work as a computer support technician, systems administrator, network administrator or similar position. People with associate security degrees may enjoy following career opportunities and annual incomes:

Network Administrator: $58,190

Support Specialist: $40,430

Systems Administrator: $58,190

The career opportunities for cyber security profession is expected to increase in the coming few years. The demand for systems administrators and network administrators will grow at a rapid rate.

The typical coursework for the Associates in Cyber Security Degree includes Cyber forensics, Computer hardware, Cyber security, working with Computers and Internet, applied mathematics and software support. In the degree course program a student is expected to learn about antivirus software, encryptions, firewalls, and other similar techniques to ensure the safety of data communications as per your company’s guidelines.

Weird Laws of World

Laws are made by the government and other ruling agencies to maintain order in a society. Laws help people live their life freely and allow them to work, socialize, worship, dress, attain their aims and reach their goals. But sometimes the rules set by society and government are so weird that often people end up calling them ‘crazy laws’.

There are several weird laws that are followed in the world. Let’s have a look at them one by one:

In the US, many people find the ‘21 and over’ rule quite weird. People who wish to purchase beer all days of the week may find it weird to see the liquor stores closed on Sundays. Also those people who love to stroll around with an uncorked wine bottle may feel weird to know that open alcohol bottles are not allowed in various areas.

Another crazy law that does not make much sense is ‘Bring Cash and Coins to Des Moines’. It is illegal in Iowa to begin a tab at any bar. This law surprise many visitors from outside.

As per Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BAFT), the word ‘refreshing’ cannot be utilized while describing alcoholic drinks. That compels the consumers of alcohol to call beer as brisk, wine as reviving and gin as invigorating.

You would certainly feel crazy after knowing that an underage student from abroad in Rome is forbidden from consuming alcohol even when they belong to a country where they satisfy the minimum drinking age requirement. Such kind of weird laws of the world makes it impossible for people to drink in other culture because they are actually bounded by weird laws governing the state.

Drinking not allowed with Fishes: In Ohio, getting a fish drunk is strictly illegal. Eventually, the marine life in this city of America does not go by the maxim ‘drinks like a fish’. You can feed them worms but must keep your tequila bottle to yourself.

In Pennsylvania, a man cannot buy alcohol until and unless he has a written permission from his wife. This has provided Pennsylvanian women more authority than men and is a reason behind the increasing number of singles in the country. 

Now this law will definitely make you laugh. In Texas a standing person cannot take more than three sips of beer at a time but the same is not true if they are stumbling round or falling over. Another Texas rule bans the complete collection of Encyclopedia Britannica as one of its volumes details the homemade beer recipe.

In the UK, it is legal for pregnant women to urinate anywhere she likes. She can even request to urinate in a policeman’s hat.

Some of these weird laws date back to old times and may not even have relevance today. But these laws still exist and are now the cause of our laughter and jokes.

Most of the people when think of working in legal field generally think of becoming a judge or a lawyer. For all those people who are looking to establish themselves in legal field must not overlook other job opportunities. One of the careers which are often overlooked by aspirants is Court reporter.

The work of the court reporter consists of creating transcripts for legal proceedings, conversations, meetings and various other situations that need a documented account to serve as a legal verification. His main work is to maintain accurate and complete record of testimony so that it can be used as legal binding record. The court reporters may have to work at trials, depositions, assist attorneys and judges when looking for information and give translation services for deaf people.

Kinds of Court Reporting

Stenography: A stenography machine is used by a court reporter to record testimony verbatim and speeches. The court reporter will press number of keys at one time to record combinations or letters that represents words, phrase and sounds. The symbols are electronically recorded and are translated after completion of a legal session.

Voice writing: The court reporter has to speak in a microphone with a mask. The mask makes sure that no unwanted sounds interfere at the time of recording. Voice writer records whatever is said by the attorneys, judges and witnesses. They also record reactions and gestures.

Duties of a court reporter:

Using shorthand to take down the full verbatim account of witness testimony, verbal proof and the message may be read back when requested in the court room. Making notes after a court room session. Checking accuracy of the notes prepared. Correction of grammar and spellings, add missing words, vocabulary, and creating the final transcript after edition. Sending the transcribed copy document for approval to the judge before making a final transcript.

Qualifications

In order to become a court reporter you need to have excellent keyboard skills. You should be able to type more than 200 words a minute you must possess experience in machine and written shorthand. You must also possess great grammar and spelling skills.

There are several educational institutions that offer degrees on court reporting. Basically, it takes around a year to complete the course of a voice writer but electronic reporters gain their skills in their job training. To become a steno-typist, it takes around 33 months.

Some of the personal skills that are required in court reporting careers are:

1. Working accurately and rapidly
2. Excellent communication and listening skills
3. Patience and confidence
4. Clear voice
5. Great concentration skills
6. Being able to meet stiff deadlines

The judicial system of America is divided into different courts. The USA judicial system helps in maintaining law and order in the country and protects the rights of every individual.

Every country needs a judicial system so that people can live peacefully and freely. The USA judicial system is explained below.

US Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court comprises of a chief justice and eight associate justice of America. As per the guidelines and discretion, the Supreme Court hears few cases every year that it is asked to solve. Those cases start at state or federal courts and mostly involve vital questions regarding the federal or constitutional law.

Courts of Appeal

US had 94 judicial districts that are arranged into twelve regional circuits, each circuit has its own US court of appeal. The hearings for people from district courts situated within circuit are conducted at court of appeals. Also the court of appeals has nationwide jurisdiction for federal circuit to hear the appeals in particular cases like those involving the patent cases and laws decided by the court of Federal Claims and the court of International Trade.

District Courts

The district courts are federal court system trail’s court. As per the limits set by the constitution and the congress, the district court has jurisdiction for hearing all federal category cases, including both criminal and civil matters. Every day several people across the country are chosen for the jury and assist decide few of such cases.
The federal judicial districts are 94 in number, one district court for each state. The Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam have their separate district courts that hear different federal cases including the bankruptcy cases.

Bankruptcy Courts

The bankruptcy courts in US are separate unit of district courts. The federal courts enjoy exclusive jurisdiction over the bankruptcy cases. That means a bankruptcy case can’t be filed under a state court. The bankruptcy courts solve the cases of the individuals who are not able to pay back their creditors. They are granted a fresh start by clearing their assets to return their debts or by preparing a repayment plan. This judicial system also helps troubled businesses and offers orderly distribution to the creditors through liquidation or reorganization. The procedures are guided by the Title 11 in the US bankruptcy code. The basics of bankruptcy provides basic knowledge to the creditors, debtors, media, court personnel and general public on various aspects of federal bankruptcy laws. The bankruptcy code was amended in year 2005 to require that many individual debtors fulfill an exclusive briefing through an approved counseling agency prior to filing a case.

These various courts are the main pillars of the American Judicial system.