Job Description - Special Agent:
A special agent, sometimes called a detective, gathers facts and collects evidence in order to determine if there have been violations of local, state or federal laws. Special agents work for local and state law enforcement agencies as well as for federal law enforcement agencies like the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) and the U.S. Bureau of Homeland Security.
Employment Facts - Special Agent:
There were 112,000 special agents employed in the U.S. in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Special Agent:
A high school diploma is generally the minimum requirement for anyone who wants to work in law enforcement, but many local and state agencies also require some college coursework or even a degree. The FBI (US Federal Bureau of Investigation) only hires special agents who have a bachelor's degree and at least three years of work experience, according to the agency's website. All local, state and federal law enforcement agencies train their new recruits.
Other Requirements - Special Agent:
Special agents are often required to undergo stringent background checks and polygraph (lie detector) tests. Anyone working in law enforcement should be honest and have good judgment and a sense of responsibility.
Advancement Opportunities - Special Agent:
With experience, some special agents advance to supervisory positions.
Job Outlook - Special Agent:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, special agents will experience faster than average job growth through 2018.
Earnings - Special Agent:
Special agents earned a median annual salary of $62,110 in 2009 (U.S.).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a Special Agent currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Special Agent's Life:
On a typical day a special agent's tasks might include:
- interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses
- analyzing records to find links in chains of evidence
- writing reports that detail results of investigations
- coordinating investigations with other agencies and offices
- determining the scope, direction and timing of investigations
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Police and Detectives, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm (visited May 27, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Criminal Investigators and Special Agent, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/33-3021.03 (visited December 7, 2010).
