Expert: Loren Stevens - 10/16/2006

Question
Loren,
hey my name is john and i am a freshman in college.  my career goal right now is that i want to get into federal law enforcement. i have been researching alot and mostly into U.S. marshals, FBI, DEA and a few similar agencies. what would be the best route for me as far as which degree i should aim to acheive and whats the route i should take.
i was kind of thinking that maybe i start out at a local law enforcement agency but from reading some of the other posts i was not sure if that would be the best route... thanks alot

john

Answer
Hello John,
First off, my background was in local law enforcement. I have worked with and around agents from about all the federal agencies during the course and scope of my career.
Well then, it pretty much depends on what kind of law enforcement you want to spend a career doing.
In general terms, if you want to work alot of dope cases, go for DEA....take chemistry courses, and get fluent in another language to make yourself a more attractive candidate.
If you like various choices, and a big agency, look at the FBI. There are a number of ways you can apply, but for the most part, a law degree, or a degree in accounting is the "normal" way in.
Along with the obvious agencies associated with the DOJ, and Treasury Departments, also consider other Departments, as most if not all have a law enforcement component. The State Dept has opportunity, as does the DoD, DOE etc.
Along with law enforcement per se, there are also an abundance of agencies that perform regulatory functions, in a specific slice of interest(s).
It just depends on what you want. There are pros and cons with any avenue you select.
My counsel, is to take the time to review the various web sites, and talk to recruiters.
For basic or initial academy training, the FBI and DEA go through Quantico VA. I beleive all the others go through FLETC, at GlenCO (Brunswick) GA.
Just take a little time and sniff around. Try to calibrate your interests/goals with the "right" agency.
Hope this helps, and good luck.
loren