DEA Agents work for the Drug Enforcement Agency. They deal with illegal and illicit drug use that touches every aspect of society. DEA agents deal with many problems because the global drug business is tied to terrorism, organized crime and all sorts of illegal activities. The Drug Enforcement Agency was created through the Department of Justice to combat the effects of domestic drug trafficking.
A Unique Criminal Justice Job
DEA agents play special roles within the world of federal law enforcement. They investigate all aspects of the illegal drug market. They are sometimes sent to work in exotic countries with cooperative foreign governments. They may also work in remote and dangerous locations near the Mexico-United …show more content…
There are written assessments, multiple oral interviews and Top Secret security clearance qualifications. It takes up to one year to successfully complete the DEA hiring process. It takes at 18 weeks to complete basic agent training, which is similar to FBI special agent training.
DEA Special Agent Training
Almost all DEA agents come from a military or law enforcement background, so they have already undergone and passed rigorous fitness, firearm and self-defense training. Regardless of the background, all new DEA agents must complete the 18-week training program at the DEA’s academy in Quantico, Virginia. These students complete a combination of classroom and practical training. Students learn about ethics, leadership, criminology and drug recognition.
Students receive training in law enforcement techniques like field surveillance, undercover operations, home searches, armed raids, prisoner processing, immigration enforcement and interagency coordination. DEA academy students spend over 120 hours learning and practicing firearms, marksmanship, combat shooting and fighting tactics. Students drill in different scenarios, such entering low-light buildings and natural environments while using a shield and