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Becoming A Special Agent Essay

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• The U.S. Secret Service has two main missions protection of the president, vice president, and other designated U.S. and foreign dignitaries; and criminal investigations relating to counterfeiting and other financial crimes. Special Agents work long hours in undesirable locations, travel on short notice, and perform assignments keeping them away from home for up to 30 days or longer. Agents work undercover assignments and, as law enforcement officers, face dangerous situations with a high level of personal risk. However, they also have the satisfaction of protecting the lives of important political figures and their families, as well as being a part of trying to foil criminal activity, such as counterfeiting, that can damage the country's infrastructure on a wide scale. An individual interested in becoming a Special Agent needs to …show more content…

An individual interested in becoming a Special Agent needs to be a U.S. citizen and possess a bachelor's degree, related law enforcement experience or a combination of college coursework and law enforcement experience. Any criminal justice or related area is helpful. Strong observational and criminal investigation skills, online research and database skills, firearms, surveillance, protection, and self-defense training; be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 37; possess excellent health and physical condition; pass a written examination; complete all training programs; pass drug test, medical exam and polygraph test; qualify for Top Secret clearance; complete a background investigation; be willing to travel. Enroll in one of the Secret Service student programs. The Secret Service Student Temporary Education Employment Program (STEP) offers federal employment opportunities for degree-seeking students. The agency's Student Career Experience Program offers a two-year work-study program in certain fields of study; positions in these programs are

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