Investigators, Police Officers, Secret
Service, FBI, CIA, Special Agents, Prison Guards, and Others
Law enforcement jobs are available in most of the agencies
however, the largest numbers are employed by Homeland Security, the
Justice, Defense, and Treasury Departments.
Homeland Security was formed after the September 11th 2001 attacks, to
protect the nation against terrorism. The Department was the first
addition in over 40 years to the Executive branch and it is now the
third largest department, employing over 150,000 federal workers.
Homeland Security consolidated 22 agencies from various departments to
unify the war on terror.
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It's important to understand the impact that Homeland Security has had on
federal law enforcement careers. Many functions were transferred to this agency
and those functions are listed below along with links to their recruiting sites.
The federal government employs over 188,000 law enforcement personnel in more
than 40 job series (see table 11-1 from
The Book of U.S. Government Jobs). Most federal
agencies employ law enforcement specialists in some capacity or another. It’s
important to realize that work in law enforcement is not limited to
investigative, police, compliance and security positions. There are tens of
thousands of federal employees working in occupations that provide direct
support to these groups.
The Department of Homeland Security transferred functions from the Department
of the Treasury, Justice, HHS, Defense, FBI, Secret Service, GSA, Energy,
Agriculture, Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard. The new organization is
comprised of five major Directorates and the losing agency is listed in
parentheses.
Border and Transportation Security
U.S. Custom Service (Treasury)
Immigration& Naturalization Service (Justice)
Federal Protective Service
Transportation Security (Transportation)
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (Justice)
Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (Agriculture)
Office for Domestic Preparedness (Justice)
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Strategic National Stockpile & National Disaster Medical System (HHS)
Nuclear Incident Response Team (Energy)
Domestic Emergency Support Team (Justice)
National Domestic Preparedness Office (FBI)
Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection
Federal Computer Incident Response Center (GSA)
National Communications System (Defense)
National Infrastructure Protection Center (FBI)
Energy Security and Assurance Program (Energy)
Science and Technology
CBRN Countermeasures Program (Energy)
Environmental Measurement Laboratory (Energy)
National BW Defense Analysis Center (Defense)
Plum Island Animal Disease Center (Agriculture)
Management
The Secret Service and the Coast Guard are also with the DHS. They will
remain intact and report directly to the Secretary. In addition, the Immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS) adjudications and benefits programs report
direct to the Deputy Secretary as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
The Book of U.S. Government Jobs describes the federal law enforcement field in depth with contact
information, job descriptions, and internet links to agency recruiters.
You will find information about specific organizations like Alcohol, Tobacco
& Firearms (ATF), U.S. Marshals, Investigators, the U.S. Secrete Service,
Diplomatic Security, the National Park Service, US Border patrol, Federal
Protective Services, CIA & FBI,
and many more.
Median annual wages were $73,170 in Federal Government, $53,910 in State
government, and $55,930 in local government. Median annual wages of detectives
and criminal investigators exceeds $60,910. The middle 50 percent earned between
$45,930 and $81,490. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,500, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $97,870.
Median annual wages were $48,960 in Federal Government, $50,440 in State
government, and $35,810 in local government. Median annual wages of fish and
game wardens exceeds $48,930. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,500 and
$61,290. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,400, and the highest 10
percent earned more than $81,710.
Median annual wages of transit and railroad police exceeds $46,670. The
middle 50 percent earned between $37,640 and $57,830. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $31,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,700.
Median annual wages were $49,370 in State government, $43,720 in local
government, and $56,300 in rail transportation.
Federal law provides special salary rates to Federal employees who serve in
law enforcement. Additionally, Federal special agents and inspectors receive law
enforcement availability pay (LEAP)—equal to 25 percent of the agent's grade and
step—awarded because of the large amount of overtime that these agents are
expected to work. Salaries were slightly higher in selected areas where the
prevailing local pay level was higher. Because Federal agents may be eligible
for a special law enforcement benefits package, applicants should ask their
recruiter for more information.
In addition to the common benefits—paid vacation, sick leave, and medical and
life insurance—most law enforcement occupations provide officers with special
allowances for uniforms an
early 20 year
retirement.
- Working Conditions
- Employment
- Training and Qualifications Overview
- Job Outlook
- Earnings
- Information Resources - Further information about employment
opportunities with specific agencies are included here. Use this information
and the resources provided in Chapter Three and Appendix C of The Book of
U.S. Government Jobs to research opportunities with all agencies. Also visit
over 141 agency employment web sites.
- Qualification Standards
- Correctional Officers
- Criminal Investigators
- Airport Security Screener Positions
The Book of U.S. Government Jobs includes
information on medical requirements, interviews, required certificates, testing,
applications, interviews, use of fire arms, age requirements and much more. You
can purchase this 288 page book by calling 1-800-782-7424, 24 hours a day 7 days
a week. Many libraries have this book in their reference section.
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