How Do I Become A DEA Agent?

DEA agents perform important work for the government. They are charged with the task of enforcing the nation’s drug laws. A DEA agent will typically stop those who are suspected of transporting drugs into the country. He or she may have to search a person’s vehicle in order to determine whether any drugs are contained within the vehicle. One of the other tasks of the DEA agent is to understand the complex laws governing drug patrol in the United States. He or she may have to undergo a training course in order to fully understand the drug patrol laws that apply in the United States. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a DEA agent?” When you want to become a DEA agent, it is essential to obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree.

What’s it like to be a DEA agent?

In a typical day, a DEA agent is responsible for investigating drug trafficking activities. This can involve all sorts of acts. A DEA agent may need to research internet websites that are purported to be a place for the buying and selling of drugs. He or she may need to actually travel to a drug dealer’s home in order to prosecute him or her for drug trafficking offenses. It is also important for a DEA agent to inspect evidence that has been gathered in a case that involves the prosecution of a drug crime. The DEA agent is also required to maintain thorough records of an individual’s case. Lastly, the DEA agent may be called upon to offer testimony in a case that involves a drug trafficking crime. The prosecution team will frequently want to take the deposition of a DEA agent in order to make sure that all of the evidence has been assembled in the correct manner.

Education Requirements

When you want to become a DEA agent, it is important to obtain a bachelor’s degree. You should try to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a field that relates to your work as a DEA agent. You should think about fields such as forensic science or criminal justice. These types of fields will help you to learn about all of the drug trafficking laws that currently exist in the United States. To become a DEA agent, you will also need to undergo a thorough background check.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The salary that a DEA agent receives is determined by his or her amount of education and experience. The typical starting salary for a DEA agent is about $55,000 a year. As the DEA agent gains more education and experience, he or she will be awarded a higher salary of $70,000 to $95,000. When a person wants to become a DEA agent, he or she should look for positions at the local law enforcement agency. A person may also want to consult with a career services office at a college in order to determine where open DEA positions exist.

References:
1. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-a-dea-agent-do.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2304496_become-dea-agent.html
3. http://www.ehow.com/info_8413115_drug-enforcement-agent-salary.html