Protecting America: Careers in Federal Law Enforcement

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Trade Investigations Division

A division of the Department of the Treasury, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is responsible for enforcing the laws regulating the production, importation, wholesale, importing, labeling and advertising of alcohol and tobacco. The Trade Investigations Division ensures industry compliance through investigation of suspected tax evasion, examination of certificates, prevention of misleading labeling and advertising, and more. Law enforcement professionals working with the TTB are likely to be investigators or alcohol and tobacco tax specialists.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigates and prevents the illegal use and trafficking of firearms and explosives, arson, and bombings, as well as the illegal diversion of tobacco and alcohol. The ATF’s mission is to protect communities from illegal actions relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives.

The ATF has nearly 5,000 employees, including about 2,500 special agents and 800 industry operations investigators. ATF special agents investigate federal law violations within the agency’s jurisdiction. Industry operations investigators conduct investigations and inspections of industries and individuals regulated by the ATF, identifying falsifications and violations that may require further action.

Bureau of Diplomatic Security

A division of the Department of State, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security provides safety and security for U.S. foreign policy. The bureau is responsible for protecting foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the U.S., investigating passport and visa fraud, and personnel security investigations. There are a number of opportunities available within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Law enforcement professionals may work as special agents, security engineering officers, security protective specialists, security technical specialists, or diplomatic couriers.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Law Enforcement

The Bureau of Indian Affairs provides services to approximately 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. These services include natural resources management, social services, economic development, and court administration. The BIA also provides law enforcement services through the Division of Law Enforcement. Operations within this division include telecommunications, uniform police, and criminal investigations. The division provides direct oversight of Bureau programs and technical assistance, as well as oversight of law enforcement programs developed with tribes under certain policies.

Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement

The Bureau of Land Management is tasked with the protection and management of public land resources, including timber, minerals, fish and wildlife, and archaeological sites. With many federal laws and regulations that apply to public lands and resources, there are a number of law enforcement needs within the bureau.

There are approximately 200 law enforcement rangers and 70 special agents working with the Bureau of Land Management. They prevent, detect and investigate crimes that affect public land resources. These may include theft of mineral resources, dumping, theft and vandalism of archaeological or paleontological resources, off-highway vehicle use, native plant theft and wildlife arson.

BLM rangers typically patrol and make contact with the public to enforce federal laws, and they work with special agents to investigate illegal activity. BLM special agents investigate crimes committed on public lands or those involving public resources, sometimes with long-term investigations using undercover officers, surveillance, and informants.

Bureau of Reclamation Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement Office

The Bureau of Reclamation is a water management agency best known for protecting the environment and water structures, including dams, power plants and canals in the western states of the U.S. The Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement office within the Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for protecting the public, employees, information and facilities of the Bureau.

Law enforcement professionals working in the Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement office operate across multiple offices and programs, including the security office, information share and law enforcement support office, safety and health services, dam security office, special agent in charge and even the Hoover Dam Police Department.

Capitol Police

The Capitol Police is known as “America’s Police Department.” This federal law enforcement agency primarily protects visitors to the U.S. Congress and Capitol. Officers perform patrol duties and enforce laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Officers will also conduct preliminary investigations of crimes and perform protective services guiding federally owned property, equipment and material.

Central Intelligence Agency Security Protective Service

The CIA protects the United States — and the Security Protective Service protects the CIA. In this service, officers protect CIA personnel, information and facilities. Primarily, officers control access to facilities, manage emergencies and maintain public order. Officers may work in a variety of divisions, including the 24-hour Security Operations Center, Visitor Control Center or the Threat Management Unit.

Defense Logistics Agency Police

The Defense Logistics Agency provides security for combat support, protecting the 5.2 million items supplied to American war fighters. These items include jet fuel, groceries, and other important supplies that make it possible for military services to operate.

DLA police officers protect installations and facilities to prevent and prosecute violence and destruction against essential supplies. Responsibilities include providing facilities security, defense against terrorism, crime and espionage, access control, investigation, and acting as first-responders in emergency situations.

Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Enforcement

The Bureau of Industry and Security protects U.S. national security and economic interests by enforcing boycotts, safety laws and other regulations within the Department of Commerce. Enforcement professionals with the Bureau of Industry and Security typically work to stop and prosecute export violators. They enable legitimate trading while preventing and bringing justice to those who do not comply with export control and anti-boycott requirements.

Department of Energy Office of Enforcement

The Department of Energy Office of Enforcement ensures the safety and security of nuclear facilities and their workers through essential enforcement actions. Personnel conduct enforcement investigations and practices to ensure that facilities and contractors comply with safety and security regulations. Services provided by the office and enforcement personnel include worker health and safety enforcement, nuclear safety enforcement, security enforcement, and noncompliance tracking.

Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration

The National Nuclear Security Administration manages the military application of nuclear science to enhance national security. The administration is responsible for maintaining the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, non-proliferation through detection, securing and disposal of nuclear material, counterterrorism and counter-proliferation, emergency response, and nuclear propulsion plant operation. Other activities include the transportation of government-owned nuclear materials, which may include nuclear weapons, plutonium or enriched uranium.

Personnel with the National Nuclear Security Administration ranges from engineers to foreign policy specialists. Those working in law enforcement within this administration are typically tasked with security or the safe transportation of nuclear materials.

Department of Homeland Security

Created in response to the September 11th attacks, the Department of Homeland Security was formed in November 2002. DHS is responsible for protecting the U.S. and its territories from domestic emergencies, including terrorist attacks, natural disasters and major accidents. DHS encompasses several agencies, including Customs and Border Protection, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Secret Service.

The Department of Homeland Security has more than 200,000 employees, and with a number of agencies under its supervision, it offers a large variety of occupations. Law enforcement occupations within DHS include cyber security professionals, the Federal Protective Service and opportunities securing borders, enforcing immigration and customs, individual protection, and infrastructure security with Customs and Border Protection, Immigrations and Customs enforcement, and the Secret Service.

Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Security and Emergency Planning

The HUD Office of Security and Emergency Planning protects HUD personnel and property with emergency operations, IT security, security clearances and safeguards. Within this office, you’ll find three divisions: Emergency Planning and Management, Security, and Protective Services. Law enforcement professionals within this office may be responsible for essential operations, including security clearance processes, emergency planning and personnel protection.

Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

Known as the FinCEN, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network safeguards the U.S. financial system from illicit use and money laundering. Using financial intelligence and data, FinCEN is able to collect, analyze and share strategic financial information with authorities. FinCEN works to uncover money laundering schemes and support financial crime investigations with the help of a number of specialists and analysts, including those in intelligence research and regulatory enforcement.

Drug Enforcement Administration

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigates and enforces drug laws and regulations, including fighting against drug smuggling and use in the U.S. The DEA targets drug organizations and leaders growing, manufacturing and distributing controlled substances in the United States, and it develops programs designed to reduce the availability of illegal drugs within the U.S.

The DEA has more than 10,000 employees, and more than half of them are special agents. A highly competitive position, DEA special agents investigate and prosecute drug trafficking and other federal offenses. Another popular law enforcement position within the DEA, diversion investigators conduct investigations of rogue online pharmacies and take action against suspected sources of illicit controlled substances.

Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Enforcement

The Environmental Protection Agency is tasked with protecting human health and the environment — developing regulations and requirements that hold entities legally accountable for environmental violations. Individuals and corporations who commit environmental crimes are pursued by the Criminal Enforcement office within the EPA.

With more than 350 special agents, forensic scientists and forensic technicians, the EPA is able to investigate, analyze and share evidence related to serious environmental crimes. Most law enforcement professionals within the EPA will work as special agents, enforcing U.S. environmental laws.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Perhaps the most well known of all federal law enforcement agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigates criminal activity and provides internal intelligence. The FBI addresses the most serious threats facing the U.S., including terrorism, street gangs, cyber attacks, fraud, espionage and serial killers.

The FBI has more than 35,000 employees, including 13,598 special agents and 21,000 support professionals, including intelligence analysts, scientists and other investigative professionals. Law enforcement professionals working with the FBI may find work as FBI special agents, who conduct sensitive national security investigations, and may even serve on the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, addressing extraordinary hostage crises and other law enforcement situations.

Federal Bureau of Prisons

The Federal Bureau of Prisons administers the federal prison system and manages federal criminal offenders. The bureau operates more than 116 institutions nationwide and is responsible for more than 215,000 federal inmates.

With nearly 40,000 employees working directly with inmates or in operation, support and administrative roles, there are a number of opportunities available for those interested in a law enforcement career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Common job titles include correctional officer, case manager, drug treatment specialist, recreation specialist and training instructor.

Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement

The Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement protects wildlife and plant resources. The office enforces federal laws working to recover, conserve, preserve, safeguard and promote wildlife and plants within the U.S. Using law enforcement, the Fish and Wildlife Service protects against threats to wildlife resources. These include habitat destruction, illegal trade, environmental contaminants and unlawful commercial exploitation.

The Office of Law Enforcement employs 261 special agents and 140 wildlife inspectors. Most actively work to prevent, detect, and investigate wildlife crimes and violations of wildlife trade and resource regulations. Law enforcement professionals working for the Fish and Wildlife Service may break up smuggling rings, protect wildlife from environmental hazards, inspect wildlife shipments, combat illegal trafficking and solve wildlife crimes using forensic science.

Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations

The Food and Drug Administration regulates the sale and manufacturing of food, drugs and other sensitive materials in the United States. The Office of Criminal Investigations investigates criminal violations of federal statutes and laws, especially those that may endanger public health.

Approximately 180 special agents work within the Office of Criminal Investigations, using law enforcement methods to investigate criminal allegations within the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration, including investigating claims of tampering and problems with product safety.

Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations

The Forest Service protects 192 million acres of National Forest System land, as well as the public, employees and natural resources within them. Law enforcement and investigations personnel are responsible for upholding federal regulations and laws designed to protect the resources within the Forest Service.

Uniformed law enforcement officers with the Forest Service are the front line of defense. Often tasked with providing emergency medical aid, traffic law enforcement, fish and wildlife regulation enforcement, and investigations of accidents and theft, this is a varied position that allows officers to protect natural resources as well as employees and visitors. Forest Service special agents conduct criminal investigations, looking into violations of Forest Service regulations and laws. Special agents often work with other law enforcement agencies in investigations that may include drug trafficking or domestic terrorism.

Government Printing Office Uniformed Police

The Government Printing Office is responsible for information products of the U.S. government, including U.S. passports, official Congressional publications and other important documents. The GPO police branch works to provide security for both personnel and assets within the GPO. GPO Police practice security investigations, anti-terrorism measures, patrols, access control, and more.

Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation

The IRS Criminal Investigation branch investigates criminal violations of the U.S. tax code and related financial crimes. With approximately 3,700 employees worldwide, 3,600 are special agents with investigative jurisdiction in tax, money laundering, and Bank Secrecy Act laws.

IRS special agents investigate compliance with tax laws and identify individuals and corporations that deliberately violate the law. Serving as a special agent requires not only excellent investigative skills, but also great analytical abilities, as financial investigators will often be required to scrutinize sophisticated financial records. CI special agents may use specialized forensic technology to recover computer evidence as well.

Mint Police

The Mint Police work to ensure the safety of U.S. Mint properties, employees, visitors and financial assets. This includes more than $100 billion in gold, silver and coinage located in six different facilities. The Mint police also safeguard more than 2,800 Mint employees and thousands of visitors every day, 24-hours a day.

National Institutes of Health Division of Police

The National Institutes of Health Division of Police protects scientific research and the NIH research community, guarding and protecting against criminal activity, personal attacks, and loss of assets. Law enforcement professionals working with the NIH Division of Police are responsible for screening, security, emergency communications, law enforcement and more.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Law Enforcement

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement protects wildlife, habitat and fisheries by enforcing federal fishery regulations, domestic law,s and international treaties. With this enforcement, NOAA protects global marine resources and supports sustainable fishing activities.

Special agents and enforcement officers within NOAA conduct patrols, inspections, and work on criminal and civil investigations. They also develop outreach and compliance assistance to ensure that fisheries and other parties are aware of and understand marine laws and regulations.

National Park Service Law Enforcement Office

National Park Service law enforcement is responsible for promoting the protection of resources and visitors through stewardship and enforcement of statutes and regulations. Park rangers working with the National Park Service law enforcement division protect park resources and visitors through visitor education and informational services, appropriate utilization of facilities, emergency medicine, search and rescue, and fire suppression.

In addition to rangers, the National Park Service Law Enforcement Office employs special agents who conduct complex criminal investigations of offenses committed on or against National Park Service properties.

National Security Agency Law Enforcement

America’s code makers and code-breakers work to provide information to the U.S. with the National Security Agency. The NSA develops important strategic and tactical information that is shared with the Department of Defense. Investigation and enforcement professionals within the NSA safeguard the agency’s information and the people who develop.

Law enforcement personnel with the NSA typically work as investigators or police officers. NSA investigators conduct background investigations and prepare reports on findings to ensure accurate intelligence. NSA police officers support the mission of the NSA by protecting assets, responding to emergencies, patrolling and controlling access to property, and working on incident management.

Pentagon Force Protection Agency

As the headquarters for the Department of Defense, the Pentagon is a significant government asset in need of protection. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency is a civilian defense agency tasked with protecting the Pentagon building, its facilities and occupants and visitors against a variety of threats, including terrorism and criminal activity.

The Pentagon Police provide a number of services, including access control, parking management and emergency services. Professionals investigate suspicious activity, and may interview, arrest, and testify in court against suspects of crimes against the Pentagon.

Postal Inspection Service

Mail fraud, theft, dangerous mail, and other incidents in the postal service are serious crimes. The Postal Inspection Service protects the U.S. mail system’s employees, customers and infrastructure by enforcing postal laws that deter illegal and dangerous use of the postal service. U.S. postal inspectors and investigators work to enforce federal laws related to the U.S. mail service through security, mail escort, protective functions and even forensic science.

Smithsonian Institute Office of Protection Services

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex. It includes 19 museums, nine research centers, and even the National Zoo. Its collections include hundreds of thousands of valuable pieces of history, art, information and wildlife — not to mention personnel and visitors — and the Office of Protection Services works to defend them all against security threats.

There are more than 700 employees working in the Smithsonian Institute Office of Protection Services. Law enforcement professionals office provide a variety of security services, including security management, supervision, anti terrorism measures, intrusion detection, emergency management, exhibit security and ID management.

Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Office of Investigations

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration provides independent oversight of IRS activities, including threats of violence against the IRS, corrupt interference with federal tax administration and lapses in IRS employee integrity. Law enforcement professionals within this office will work as special agents to investigate fraud, abuse and other deficiencies within the IRS.

U.S. Marshals Service

The oldest American federal law enforcement agency, the U.S. Marshals Service provides law enforcement to U.S. federal courts. U.S. Marshals manage fugitive operations, court security, federal arrest warrants, and federal prisoner transport.

The U.S. Marshals Service is among the most competitive agencies for new hires, and it’s reported that less than 5 percent of qualified applicants will be hired by the agency. The service does not regularly accept applications for deputy U.S. marshals and hires on an exclusive and limited basis. Deputy U.S. marshals perform fugitive and tactical operations as well as judicial security.

U.S. Military Police and Investigations

Branches of the U.S. military maintain their own police force and investigation departments, including:

• United States Army Criminal Investigation Command
• United States Army Military Police Corps
• Department of the Army Police
• United States Army Corrections Command
• Army Counterintelligence
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service
• United States Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Division
• Department of the Navy Police
• United States Coast Guard Investigative Service
• Air Force Office of Special Investigations
• Air Force Security Forces Center
• Department of the Air Force Police

These organizations are tasked with investigating crimes within U.S. military branches along with providing security for U.S. military personnel and infrastructure. Individuals working within U.S. military police or investigative departments may work as police officers, security personnel, investigating detectives, or special agents. Duties may include access control, security, and investigation of serious crimes.

Veterans Affairs Office of Security and Law Enforcement

The Veterans Affairs Office of Security and Law Enforcement maintains protection of veterans, visitors, staff, as well as infrastructure within VA campuses. Most law enforcement professionals with the VA work as police, special agents or inspectors to protect the department, its people, and assets.