Key points:

What is public safety administration?

Public safety administration is the development, coordination, and management of resources that protect the public. First responder organizations in fire services, law enforcement, emergency management services, and homeland security are all led by public safety administrators.

What does a public safety administrator do?

Leadership roles in public safety can take many forms. You might find yourself developing disaster mitigation programs or emergency preparedness and response programs. You may develop a public safety campaign that enforces new fire regulations. You could focus your efforts on police reform or manage your department’s budgets. Whatever your role, you’ll need advanced skills in policy analysis, strategic planning, decision-making, risk assessment, and research methodology.

Some typical day-in-the-life activities for a public safety administrator include:

  • Preparing and monitoring departmental budgets
  • Reviewing incident reports
  • Organizing training for staff and volunteers
  • Coordinating shared resources with other public safety organizations
  • Preparing damage assessments following an incident
  • Reviewing facility emergency management plans
  • Applying for federal funding
  • Simulating emergency or disaster scenarios
  • Assessing potential hazards
  • Supervising the maintenance of public safety facilities
  • Collaborating with community stakeholders to identify new services and programs
  • Analyzing data to determine the program’s effectiveness
  • Planning and managing public outreach efforts
  • Contributing to departmental publications, marketing materials, and internal communications

What kinds of jobs will the Public Safety concentration prepare me for?

Most public safety administrators are government employees, but many also work in private industry. Some job titles you might hold include:

  • Emergency Management Director
  • Police Chief
  • Director Paramedical Services
  • Police Commissioner
  • Fire Commissioner
  • Emergency Services Coordinator
  • University Police Chief
  • Social & Community Services Manager
  • Safety Specialist
  • Safety or Security Consultant
  • Homeland Security Supervisor
  • Medical & Health Services Manager
  • Federal Air Marshal
  • FEMA Team Leader

How much can I earn as a public safety administrator?

Careers in public safety administration can be lucrative. Here are some average annual salaries for leadership roles in first responder organizations:

How do I become a public safety administrator?

Public safety education begins with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public safety, emergency management, or public health. Hiring managers often prefer a graduate degree for leadership roles. Further specializing your public safety education with a Public Safety Concentration can equip you with the specialized knowledge and skills you need to be an effective leader.

Interested in finding out how the University of New Haven’s online Master of Public Administration can help you launch a successful career as a Public Safety Administrator? Submit the form below and one of our enrollment counselors will reach out with more information.