Public safety professionals teach the career classes and the school partners with the City of Phoenix, its police and fire departments, and other agencies to provide students with real world opportunities such as internships, physical training and special employment programs.

Designed by local architect Jay Knapp, important decorative elements included porthole gable ventilators, cast stone tablets and keystones, and a frieze-like panel with the inscription of the school name.

Phoenix Union purchased it in 2004 and took on the task of bringing the school building back to life, dealing with environmental issues with the property and strict adherence to historical restoration.

The part of the building from the 1920s and 1930s required hardwood flooring and custom wood windows and doors.

Tiles on the roof was fabricated locally to the color and size specifications of the time period.