The U.S. Department of Homeland Security considers the state of Connecticut to be a major transportation hub for the southern part of the New England Region. For this reason, homeland security in the state of Connecticut is a major concern. The city of Bridgeport houses a deepwater port and a major highway, making its security of particular interest. Recently, the city was the site of a major FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) training course in addressing and protecting the needs of children during a major disaster. Schools, child care providers, religious organizations and child service agencies all benefited from this training program.
Threats to homeland security in Bridgeport, Connecticut are not only from international or domestic terrorist attacks. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and chemical accidents are just a few of the threats from which Bridgeport must be protected. Homeland security jobs in Bridgeport are concerned with protecting not only the needs of its younger citizens, but of citizens of any age. In 2014, the Bridgeport Public School District plans to open Bridgeport Military Academy. This innovative public high school will focus on training students for public safety, emergency management and homeland security jobs.
Degree and Training Programs for Homeland Security in Bridgeport
Homeland security careers in Bridgeport, as elsewhere, require the right type of training. This usually involves obtaining a certificate or undergraduate or graduate degree. In the Bridgeport area and online, the following training and degree programs in homeland security and related disciplines are available:
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Technology
- Master of Science in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation
- Doctorate of Business Administration in Homeland Security Leadership and Policy
- Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies
- Certificate in Homeland Security
Careers in Homeland Security in Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Connecticut is home to many government agencies and organizations that may offer homeland security career opportunities to properly educated individuals. There are also many companies that work with government agencies in the Bridgeport area that may employ those with homeland security certificates or degrees. Homeland security job opportunities in Bridgeport may include:
- Bridgeport Resident Agency of the FBI – Detectives, Undercover Operations Specialists, Wireless Monitoring Specialists and Intelligence Analysts
- Bridgeport Resident Office of the Diplomatic Security Service – Intelligence Analysts and Information Technology Specialists
- Bridgeport Military Academy of the Bridgeport Public School System – Homeland Security Instructor and Program Manager
- Security Services of Connecticut in Stamford (20 miles from Bridgeport) – Security Supervisor
- Bridgeport Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security – Program Manager, Program Coordinator, Public Information Officer, Trainer and Educator
- Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport – Emergency Management Instructor
- Bridgeport Police Department – Intelligence Analysts, Undercover Operations, Wireless Monitoring Specialists and Detectives