A government agent is a person who represents the government’s interests. Although many people associate government agents with law enforcement, they can actually serve in a variety of roles. Because he or she represents the government at all times and is expected to adhere to a very high standard of conduct, a government agent must be a citizen of the government he or she works for and pass a background and character test.
A government agent can act in the interests of the government as a law enforcement officer, investigating, prosecuting, and preventing crimes that are believed to be harmful to the government. Agents who work for government health services, environmental agencies, and other agencies also enforce standards and codes. Government agents can be involved in the formulation of new policy in addition to enforcing government standards. Whether inspecting tax records or visiting factories to test emissions, many government agents work as examiners to determine whether citizens are abiding the law.
Diplomacy is also carried out government agents, though they are not always referred to as such. These highly trained agents represent the government in international disputes, promote international cooperation, and provide assistance to government citizens while they are abroad. Diplomats can help prevent wars, negotiate trade agreements, and act as neutral parties in the negotiation of a treaty or agreement between two countries. Specialized government agents collect information that could be useful or relevant to national security both at home and abroad.
Other government employees may be represented a government agent. Employees of certain agencies, for example, can contact a government travel agent when they need to travel for the government, and the agent will make travel arrangements on their behalf. Agents can also specialize in providing financial advice and assistance to government employees, as well as assisting them in making retirement plans and representing them in court.
Many governments provide their agents with certain protections and rights that are not available to ordinary citizens. Refusing a government agent’s inspection, for example, can result in legal consequences, and assaulting a government agent is usually treated as a more serious crime than assaulting a civilian. Agents of the government have a lot of power, which they are expected to use professionally and responsibly, and they can get in trouble if they don’t.