What does a head of public safety do?

First of all that person is a politician and an advocate. Most public safety directors or Chief's will tell you the minute they sign on for the role they "have one foot out the door". Creating a responsible command staff would be close behind then a solid recruitment and promotion program. Getting your agency all the funding and equipment needed is also crucial. Those Chief's that support their personnel and allow them some level of autonomy in decision making are usually the longest lasting in that role.

Succeeding as a director of public safety calls for an advanced education. Typically, this leadership position requires a master’s degree in disaster management, law enforcement, public policy, or a related field. It also demands extensive work experience in public safety to cultivate in-depth eymergency services and management knowledge, as well as to gain supervisory experience. Many positions also require one one of many certifications related to emergency response management, along with specific training on topics such as Incident command systems, which are management systems that help coordinate emergency responses between jurisdictions.

A head of public safety manages and coordinates efforts to ensure the safety and security of the public within a community or jurisdiction. Responsibilities include overseeing law enforcement, emergency response, fire prevention, and disaster preparedness initiatives. They develop and implement policies, allocate resources, coordinate with government agencies and community organizations, and lead emergency response efforts during crises. The role involves promoting community engagement, crime prevention, and public awareness campaigns to enhance public safety and build trust with residents.

The Head of Public Safety oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive safety programs, coordinates emergency response efforts, collaborates with law enforcement agencies, and ensures compliance with regulations to safeguard the well-being of the community.

And also there is the addition of other services offered by local, municipal, and state governments that are being brought under the umbrella of public safety so understanding the job specifics the new things being brought under the umbrella!

Directors of public safety lead and coordinate multiple departments — often in high stress situations. As such, they must inspire trust, confidence, and cooperation. Much of their work involves team building and goal setting, practices that require projecting a clear vision and acting decisively. Agencies are going to be faced with more severe weather events, large scale critical incidents, and a barrage of cyber and ransomware attacks targeting the public sector.

Pretty much speaks for it self, but one in that position must stay within agency policies as set up by the Governing body like the Mayor,City Council,City Manager,County Commissioners and maybe even the Governor and State Legislature...

Emergency management usually requires 59 to 64 credits. Full-time students can generally complete program requirements within three to five years. Students who transfer credits from other accredited programs may be able to reduce their overall completion time. A Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) has the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively manage a comprehensive emergency management program. A CEM has a working knowledge of all the basic tenets of emergency management, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Look for opportunities to build awareness; to educate and train personnel; to test procedures; to involve all levels of management, all departments and the communi- ty in the planning process; and to make emergency management part of what personnel do on a day-to-day basis.