Special agents work for local or federal law enforcement agencies and are highly trained detectives. Professionals carry out investigations by using undercover surveillance techniques, questioning suspects and witnesses, and compiling reports for use in criminal trials. In the United States, qualified individuals can work as special agents for local police departments and national agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In order to obtain most special agent jobs, a hopeful detective must meet specific educational requirements and complete a rigorous training period.
A special agent for a local law enforcement division is in charge of conducting covert investigations and interviewing witnesses to learn more about a crime. He or she might go undercover to learn more about a suspicious person or group, or set up surveillance equipment around a home or building where criminal activity is suspected. The Internet and computer databases are frequently used by professionals to gather background information on suspects and locate people who may be involved in a crime. Special agent jobs are often held by detectives in police departments, focusing on specific types of investigative work. An agent might specialize in investigating robberies, detecting gang activity, or stopping the sale and distribution of drugs.
Special agent jobs can be found in a variety of federal agencies. FBI agents in the United States conduct extensive investigations into high-profile crimes and criminals. They may conduct delicate surveillance or undercover work in dangerous environments, locate missing persons, and question suspects using harsh interrogation techniques.
Other federal agents may work for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), or the US Secret Service. ATF agents investigate bomb threats and illegal firearms sales, while DEA agents try to predict and prevent drug trafficking. Secret Service agents research situations, keep an eye out for suspicious activity, and apprehend people who may pose a security threat to high-ranking government officials, including the President.
To work as a special agent, most people must have a college diploma and have completed training academy programs. Local special agents typically attend police academies for 10 to 14 weeks, learning about investigative work, firearms safety, laws and regulations, and legal proceedings. The majority of federal agents have a bachelor’s degree or higher in criminal justice or a related field, and many are required to speak at least one foreign language. Before applying for jobs as federal agents in the United States, they must complete an 18-week training course at one of several military bases or training facilities.