Working for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA Agent)

Working for the DEA is a great opportunity for many qualified candidates. DEA agents have different backgrounds and are charged to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the USA. They also work to bring to justice those individuals or groups that are involved in the growing, manufacturing, and distribution of controlled substances, and terrorism.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA Agent)Duties

To do their jobs, DEA agents must aim to topple down drug trafficking rings, search and destroy organizations that participate in drug trafficking, and persecuting them. This means doing a great deal of surveillance and collecting intelligence. It also means putting yourself into potentially dangerous situations when drug dealers or drug rings are arrested.

Some DEA agents will work in the filed. If you have exceptional skills in computer science, decoding, forensic accounting, or other related disciplines, the department can assign you a position at regional headquarters. Once there, you can work to provide analysis and support services to agents while they are on field.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA Agent) Education Required

If you are considering becoming a DEA agent, it may be important to first attend the US Drug Enforcement Administration Orientation Session. You may attend a session at your local DEA field office. Here you can discover and have a feel of what the position involves.

To apply and to be considered as a DEA agent you must be a US Citizen, 21-36 years of age, must have a clean criminal record, and must be in excellent physical condition –you must have normal color vision, sharp hearing acuity, and must be able to do heavy lifting.

A bachelor’s degree is required when applying to work as a DEA agent and special consideration is typically given to those holding degrees in Political Science, Criminal Justice, or any related field. Other preferred degrees are Economics, Foreign Language, Accounting, and Finance. These majors can prepare agents in effectively communicating with suspects, contacts, and witnesses plus they can gain skills in evaluating drug businesses in other countries and understanding laws and the constitutional rights of citizens.

The application process you must complete before working for the Drug Enforcement Administration can take more than a year. During the process, you will be required to pass a psychological assessment test, drug test, medial exam, polygraph test, background check, physical task exam, and a written assessment.

Once you have been accepted into the DEA program, you will undergo at least 16 weeks of training in legal studies, drug recognition, ethics, leadership skills, and report writing. The new recruits will also receive essential training in tactical shooting, the use of deadly force, weapon safety, and marksmanship. New recruits must be fit and prepared to travel locally and internationally.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA Agent) Salary

New DEA agents can expect annual salaries between $35,369- $50,905 depending on education, experience, and level.