Hollywood does play a big role when it comes to how certain jobs are presented to the public. Law enforcement officers and agents are a prime example where movies and TV shows influence the audience and a certain image of these jobs is set up. One of these jobs we see on TV or in the movies is the DEA agent (Drug Enforcement Agency). This article will provide helpful information about how one can become a DEA agent.
What is a DEA Agent?
DEA Agents are a special group of men and women that have been trained to specifically enforce the federal drug laws. The DEA agents can have education based on many different backgrounds which is then used as the foundation to train them specifically for the tasks that come with being a DEA agent. The Drug Enforcement Administration agents are in charge of enforcing the Controlled Substances Act. DEA Agents are also involved with investigations of domestic and international narcotics traffickers. Quite a few DEA agents are so-called undercover agents.
What are necessary qualifications to become a DEA agent?
Becoming a DEA agent is not easy and there are several prerequisites that you need to meet to increase your chances of becoming a drug enforcement agency agent. Age requirements need to be met (21-36). You will also need to be in excellent physical condition to qualify. However, most important is a specific educational level that you need to have to qualify for the selection process. You should at least have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.95 GPA or higher. The good news is that your degree does not necessarily need to be in criminal justice or Police science. The DEA also hires people with backgrounds in accounting, Finance and Economics, Computer Science, as well Psychology, Sociology, or Chemistry. You need to be a US Citizen and you need to be able to pass a background test and top secret clearance. This is a very basic list of requirements that you need to meet to be able to qualify for the selection process of becoming a DEA agent.
How long is the hiring process to become a DEA agent?
Don’t expect this to be a short process. Especially the requirement for a background check and top secret clearance is very time consuming. These tasks are handled by the FBI and it often takes months for these investigations to complete. The good thing with a slower process is that it allows you to get into physical shape along the way.
The Training
Once you made the cut you still have to go through training to become a DEA agent. Training starts with an 18 week training course that all DEA agents have to go through. For this training you need to go Quantico in Virginia.
How much can you earn as a DEA agent?
During the training process the base salary is very low. Once you pass training your starting salary should be in the range of roughly $50,000 per year. If your career progresses normally you can reach salaries of roughly $90,000 after 4 years of service.
Interested in more information about how to become a DEA agent? Go here and visit the DEA website.