Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services SHSM
Communities count on people who show up when it matters. Your Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services SHSM builds the certifications and mindset for protective service careers. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada develops the teamwork, physical readiness, and leadership these roles require.
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Emergency response certifications (First Aid, CPR), community safety training, law and justice workshops, and emergency services placements.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll develop my emergency services skills by spending about an hour each week on SHSM training in certifications, protocols, and scenario practice. I’ll earn at least one certification and track how I improve at staying calm under pressure.
Example Assessor:
SHSM Lead Teacher or Emergency Services Partner
Example Log for ORB:
Today I practiced emergency response scenarios, working on clear communication under pressure. I stayed calm and followed the protocol steps in order. Next week, I’ll practice radio communication and work on relaying information clearly and quickly.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Physical fitness training, emergency services fitness standards, strength and endurance building, and conditioning for demanding physical roles.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
For the next 13 weeks, I’ll build my physical fitness to meet emergency services demands by spending about an hour each week on cardio, strength, and endurance training. I want to improve my fitness test scores and be ready for the physical challenges of this career path.
Example Assessor:
Phys. Ed Teacher, Fitness Trainer, or SHSM Lead Teacher
Example Log for ORB:
Today I did a fitness circuit with running, carrying weights, and obstacle work. I finished 30 seconds faster than last week. Next week, I’ll add grip strength exercises and practice keeping my endurance up under sustained effort.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Volunteering with community safety programs, youth crime prevention initiatives, emergency preparedness education, and community outreach.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll volunteer about an hour each week with community safety or emergency preparedness programs, helping educate people or support safety events. I’ll track how many people I reach and how my public speaking improves.
Example Assessor:
Community Program Coordinator or Emergency Services Volunteer Supervisor
Example Log for ORB:
Today I helped families at an emergency preparedness event create emergency kits and make communication plans. I got better at explaining things in simpler terms for younger kids. Next week, I’ll help run the safety demo and practice speaking to larger groups.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
A community safety exploration where your team travels on foot to visit emergency services facilities, community safety organizations, and justice-related sites. You’ll learn about careers in policing, fire services, paramedicine, and community safety while practicing emergency preparedness skills.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey visiting at least three emergency services or community safety sites. We’ll interview professionals about their careers, practice basic emergency preparedness skills, and reflect together on what it means to serve communities and how we worked as a team under pressure.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Emergency Services Professional, or Community Safety Organization Staff
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Visiting emergency services showed us how much training and teamwork goes into keeping communities safe. We got better at staying calm during our emergency preparedness exercises and supporting teammates who felt nervous. Next time, we’d research each service beforehand and prepare more specific questions.
Career Pathways
- this sector does not currently offer apprenticeship training opportunities
- air traffic controllers and related occupations
- commissioned police officers
- court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related occupations
- employment insurance, immigration, border services and revenue officers
- firefighters
- forest fire officers
- other administrative services managers
- commissioned officers of the Canadian armed forces
- lawyers and Quebec notaries
- other managers in public administration
- other professional occupations in social science
- probation and parole officers and related occupations
- security guards and related security service occupations
- social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- by-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
- court clerks
- court services officers
- probation and parole officers and related occupations
- security guards and related security service occupations
- supervisors, general office and administrative support workers
