Criminal Justice Career Options: Federal Agents
What do federal agents do?
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Agent
ATF agents work for the U.S. Treasury Department and enforce U.S. laws pertaining to the sale and possession of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. ATF agents conduct surveillance, interview suspects and witnesses, make arrests and raids, and collect evidence.
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Agent
INS agents, including border patrol agents, immigration inspectors, criminal investigators, detention and deportation officers, work for the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and maintain the security of the borders of the United States. INS agents apprehend people who illegally enter the United States, detain and deport illegal immigrants, prevent products from entering the U.S. illegally, and enforce the proper rules and regulations of employment of aliens in the United States. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Agent IRS agents work for the U.S. Treasury Department investigating people for tax violations, money laundering, computer fraud, and illegal tax shelters. IRS agents interview witnesses and suspects, write reports for trial preparation, and participate in surveillance, undercover activities, and searches and seizures.
Secret Service Agent
Secret Service agents work for the U.S. Treasury Department. Secret Service agents primarily protect the president and vice president of the United States and their immediate families. They are also responsible for protecting past presidents of the United States, foreign heads of state, and official representatives of the United States. In addition, Secret Service agents investigate currency counterfeiting, fraud and forgery.
Deputy U.S. Marshal
U.S. Marshals work for the U.S. Department of Justice. Deputy U.S. Marshals conduct fugitive investigations, protect US courts, protect federal witnesses, seize and manage assets acquired from criminal activities, provide prisoner custody and transportation, and provide law enforcement support in national emergencies.
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Agent
DEA special agents help maintain law and order, and conduct criminal investigations related to drug trafficking. DEA agents conduct surveillance; infiltrate drug trafficking organizations; conduct investigations; arrest violators; confiscate illegal drugs; conduct money laundering investigations; collect and prepare evidence; and testify in criminal court cases.
What prerequisites must I meet to become a federal agent?
ATF, DEA, IRS, and INS, Secret Service Agents, and Deputy US Marshal entry candidates must have a college degree and either one year of experience conducting criminal investigations (excluding the IRS) or one year of graduate school. Candidates must successfully complete a written and oral examination, medical examination, physical task test, polygraph examination, a psychological assessment, possess a valid driver's license and undergo a background investigation. Also, candidates must be at least 21 years of age but less than 37 years of age at the time of appointment.
What kind of training will I need to get into law enforcment?
The federal government looks for candidates who have college degrees in accounting/finance, science/engineering, foreign languages or criminal justice-related areas, so you'll have an advantage if you earn your bachelor's or master's degree in the above areas. After you've been accepted by the agency, you'll train at the FBI academy on the US Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia for 16 weeks.
What is the salary range for federal law enforcement agents?
ATF, DEA, IRS, and INS, Secret Service Agents, and Deputy US Marshals generally enter the salary schedule at about $25,000. However, within five years, agents can be earning over $50,000.