Federal Law Enforcement Training & Careers
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Federal law enforcement agents have duties similar to those of local police officers. These agents enforce the law, investigate crimes, preserve evidence, write reports for government prosecutors, apprehend fugitives and testify in court. However, federal agents deal with specialized types of federal crimes throughout the United States.
Federal Law Enforcement: Jobs
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(ATF) Agent
ATF agents work for the US Treasury Department and enforce US 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 & Naturalization Service (INS) Agent
INS agents, including border patrol agents, immigration inspectors, criminal investigators, detention and deportation officers, work for the US Justice Department and the US 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 US illegally, and enforce the proper rules and regulations of foreigners employed in the United States.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Agent
IRS agents work for the US 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 US 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 counterfeiting, fraud and forgery.
Deputy US Marshal
US Marshals work for the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Deputy US 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 and arrest violators, confiscate illegal drugs, conduct money laundering investigations, collect and prepare evidence, and testify in criminal court.
Federal Law Enforcement: Prerequisites
Entry-level candidates for the ATF, DEA, IRS, INS, DOJ and Secret Service 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, oral and medical examination, a physical-task test, a polygraph examination, and a psychological assessment. They must also possess a valid driver's license and undergo a background investigation. Finally, candidates must be at least 21 but less than 37 years of age at the time of appointment.
Federal Law Enforcement: Education & Training
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.
Federal Law Enforcement Agent: Salary
ATF, DEA, IRS, and INS, Secret Service Agents, and Deputy US Marshals generally enter the salary schedule at about $25,000. However, within 5 years, agents can be earning over $50,000.
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