Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

Federal Law Enforcement agencies are units of the federal government created to protect citizens by detecting and investigating crime. There are at least 65 federal agencies with personnel allowed to handle weaponry and arrest criminals.
Some of the largest agencies include:
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• U.S Customs and Border Protection
• U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Most of the federal law enforcement agencies are part of departments in the Executive branch. The independent agencies include the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and the United States Postal Service. Others are spread across different departments.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) hosts the Office of the Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Bureau of Firearms Explosives, Tobacco and Alcohol and the United States Marshal Services. The United States Marshals Service protects the federal judiciary and apprehends fugitives, the Bureau of Prisons holds convicted suspects while FBI, like the movies show, is where all the action is regarding investigations and arresting criminals. The two units dealing with drugs inspect for smuggling and such other matters.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in November 2002 as an Act of Parliament. It is now made of 22 federal departments and agencies that work together to address issues of national security. The law enforcement agencies among the 22 include the United States Secret Service that protects the president and Vice President. Custom and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency look at who’s coming in and going out of the country as well as what they are carrying. The Transport Security Administration is concerned with infrastructure while the United States Coast Guard works in mitigating disasters- both natural and man-made.

Careers in Federal Agencies

Agent jobs are the most famous in law enforcement agencies. To become an FBI agent, for example, one needs to have a minimum of Bachelor’s degree. Those recruited attend training at the FBI Academy in Quantico and then start their assignments upon graduation.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents investigate drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering and immigration laws violations. Secret service agents protect the President and such other dignitaries. The US Secret Service does more than that though. It is also in charge of securing the nation’s currency and fighting counterfeiting.

Federal law enforcement agencies offer great employment opportunities for patriotic citizens who want to do some good for their nation. It comes with its sacrifices as well.

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