Academy of Law and Public Safety
Law and Public Safety Academy
Located at Bethel High School
1067 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666
Academy Principal - Mr. Gregory Hopson
Phone 757-825-4400
Academy of Law and Public Safety located at Bethel High School – Academy programs provide academic and technical courses needed for successful transition to postsecondary education and careers in professions that ensure the safety, security, and wellness of the community. Upon high school graduation, students will have law and public safety literacy and other critical knowledge, skills, and credentials that will prepare them for high-demand careers in law and public safety. The Academy of Law and Public Safety is for rising 10th-12th grade students and includes three pathways:
Law and Legal Studies Pathway: Students are introduced to legal foundations, types of law, legal processes, and careers related to law and legal studies. Courses include Introduction to Law, and Legal Administration, as well as other electives. Examples of career pathways include lawyers, arbitrators, attorneys, court reporters, and paralegals.
Law Enforcement Pathway: Students are able to focus their courses on the criminal justice system and careers related to law enforcement. Courses include Introduction to Public Safety, Criminal Justice I, and Criminal Justice II, Emergency Communication, as well as other electives. Examples of career pathways include police officers, corrections officers, probation officers, dispatchers, parole officers, dispatchers, customs inspectors, and private detectives.
Emergency Medical and Firefighter Pathway: Students are introduced to the legal foundations and processes of, while exploring the careers related to, emergency medical services and firefighting. Courses include Introduction to Public Safety, Public Safety II, Emergency Communications, and Emergency Medical Technician or Firefighter I, as well as other electives. Examples of career pathways include fire investigators, hazardous materials removal workers, forensic science technicians, dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters.